How Hemorrhoid Rubber Band Ligation Works

Hemorrhoid Rubber Band Ligation Treatment

This type of hemorrhoid treatment is used primarily for internal hemorrhoids and involves tying off the hemorrhoid at the base to cut off the flow of blood which is feeding the hemorrhoid. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient clinic or doctor’s office and is accomplished with an anoscope which is inserted into the rectum.

The anoscope is built to take hold of the hemorrhoid and then it inserts a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to discontinue the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually fall off.

For the most part the procedure is relative painless however sometimes the rubber band will cause pain in which case your doctor can inject a solution into the hemorrhoids to numb them up. Your doctor can treat a few hemorrhoids in one procedure and then you will have to return for further treatment.

When to Use Rubber Band Ligation

Rubber band ligation can be used when you have tried other treatments for relieving the symptoms without much success. This includes home remedies for hemorrhoids and other treatment that can be used without surgery. Rubber band ligation is also an option if you have had little success with controlling bleeding hemorrhoids.

Risks of Hemorrhoid Rubber Band Ligation

Depending upon your tolerance of the procedure you may need to rest for a few days or you can return to normal activity. As a general rule you may experience pain for a few days after having the procedure which you can relieve by using a cold compress of ice inside a soft cloth and then sitting in a warm water sitz bath. You can also use this treatment for the bleeding you may experience after the hemorrhoids fall off.

Following the procedure it is important to use a stool softener to avoid having to strain during bowel movements. A hard stool can exacerbate the condition and cause an infection or the hemorrhoids to return within a short period of time. You may also experience bleeding from the rectal area and have difficulty passing urine.

Things to Consider

It is important to consult with your physician to make sure you have a hemorrhoid condition and to eliminate the possibility of another health problem that may exhibit symptoms of hemorrhoids such as rectal bleeding.

Rubber band ligation is relatively inexpensive and is considered one of the most effective hemorrhoid treatments for long term relief. It is important to note that for some people the procedure can be somewhat painful and if you have to return for additional treatments this could take a toll on your body and mind over a period of time.

Finally, before you consider hemorrhoid rubber band ligation see if you can talk to other people who have been through the same procedure to find out what kind of success they have experienced with this type of treatment for hemorrhoids.

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