Hemorrhoid Banding

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is a treatment for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and tissue in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. Your healthcare provider can destroy hemorrhoids by putting a tight band around the swollen veins.

When is it used?

Hemorrhoid banding is just one way to treat hemorrhoids. Examples of alternatives to this procedure are:

• using anesthetic ointments and sitz baths
• destroying the hemorrhoid with freezing, electrical or laser heat, or infrared light
• shrinking the hemorrhoid by injecting a chemical around the swollen vein
• removing the hemorrhoids with surgery
• choosing not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition.

You should ask your healthcare provider about these choices.

How do I prepare for hemorrhoid banding?

Plan for your recovery and care after the procedure. Follow instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens during the procedure?

You may not need any anesthesia, or you may be given a local anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs part of your body while you remain awake. It should keep you from feeling pain.

Your healthcare provider will put an anoscope into your anus. An anoscope is a tubelike instrument with a light. It is used to examine and treat the lower rectum and anal canal. Your provider will use the scope to see the hemorrhoid and put 1 or 2 tiny rubber bands around the base of the swollen vein. This cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid. The lack of blood flow will cause the hemorrhoid to dry up and fall in 1 to 2 weeks. Your provider may also cut the hemorrhoid open and remove any blood clots.

What happens after the procedure?

You may have trouble passing urine and controlling gas and bowel movements for a few days after this operation. You may have a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, or you may feel like you need to have a bowel movement.

Most of the time the discomfort is mild. Your healthcare provider can provide pain medicine if needed.

Avoid all heavy lifting for 2 or 3 weeks. You may go back to work in a day or two, depending on the type of work you do.

Ask your healthcare provider what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup. You may need several treatments.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Hemorrhoid banding is effective in most cases. The hemorrhoids that were banded should no longer cause itching, bleeding, or pain.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• A local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia.
• You may have trouble urinating.
• Any hemorrhoids you still have may get inflamed.
• The hemorrhoids may come back.
• You may have infection and bleeding.

You should ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider right away if:

• You begin to bleed a lot.
• You develop worsening pain in the area.
• You develop a fever.
• You are unable to urinate or have bowel movements.

Call during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its results.
• You want to make another appointment.