3 Things You Need To Know About Hemorrhoid Banding

Health & Medical Blog

If you have a small lump around your anus or experience a small amount of red bleeding when using the restroom, you may be suffering from a hemorrhoid. Other hemorrhoid symptoms include pain or itching in the anal region. There are multiple treatment options for hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding.

Hemorrhoid banding involves constricting the hemorrhoids with rubber bands so that they fall off. The band restricts blood flow to the hemorrhoid. Once the hemorrhoid falls off, the band will come off as well.

It usually takes a few days for the hemorrhoids to fall off, and you can band multiple hemorrhoids during a single procedure. Read on to learn important info so that you can decide if hemorrhoid banding is right for you.  

1. Hemorrhoid Banding is an Out-Patient Procedure

Depending on the number of hemorrhoids that you need to remove and your current pain levels, your doctor will either administer general or local anesthesia before the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, your doctor inserts a tool known as an anoscope into the anus. Then, a ligator is inserted through the anoscope. Your doctor will use the ligator to place the rubber bands.

Usually, hemorrhoid banding only takes a few minutes. You can go home the same day as the procedure, but you should have someone lined up to drive you home, even if you have local anesthesia. Most doctors recommend that you take it as easy as possible for a day or so after the procedure so that you inadvertently put strain on the anal region.

2. Hemorrhoid Banding Isn't the First Course of Treatment

Though hemorrhoid banding is a relatively simple procedure, it typically isn't the first treatment option for hemorrhoids. Your doctor may advise you to try over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and/or change your diet to see if that helps the hemorrhoid shrink.

Adding fiber to your diet can make it easier to have a bowel movement, decrease the likelihood that you strain when you go to the restroom. Straining to use the restroom is one common cause of hemorrhoids.

If at-home remedies and lifestyle changes are not effective or if the hemorrhoid causes excessive pain, more invasive options (such as banding) are the next treatment option. Doctors recommend hemorrhoid banding as an alternative to hemorrhoid surgery because it less invasive and causes only minor pain and discomfort.

3. Hemorrhoid Banding is a Lasting Treatment Alternative

Another advantage of hemorrhoid banding is that hemorrhoids removed with this procedure typically stay gone for good. Some stubborn hemorrhoids do require multiple bandings before they fall off. These hemorrhoids will get smaller with each banding until they are completely gone.

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