Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding or hemorrhoid ligation is a procedure to remove hemorrhoids protruding from the anus. The procedure is called banding because, often, an actual rubber band is used.

Hemorrhoid banding is not a hemorrhoids cure. Once removed, it's possible that the swelling and irritation will simply migrate to the remaining hemorrhoids. There is also no guarantee that the hemorrhoid will not return.

How Hemorrhoid Banding Works

Hemorrhoid banding works as follows: The doctor inserts an anoscope in the anus. An anoscope is simply a scope that lets the doctor see the interior of the anus in order to locate the one or more hemorrhoids. He then inserts a special banding tool into the anus.

This tools allows him to easily place a rubber band around the hemorrhoid area. Doing this cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. With no blood, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off. The entire process takes place within a two week period.

Hemorrhoids often come in multiples. So it is possible that the doctor may have to band multiple hemorrhoids in the same operation. This is actually preferable to having them done one at a time. A local anesthetic may or may not be used depending on the doctor's suggestion. He also may try the procedure initially without anesthesia with the option of applying it in the event that you begin to feel intense pain during the procedure. Hemorrhoid banding is normally an outpatient procedure and you'll be able to go home following it. The doctor will probably suggest that you have someone drive you, as he may suggest you not drive until you are healed.

What Happens After The Hemorrhoid Ligation Operation?

You will probably feel some pain in the anal area for a few days following the banding. During this period, you should take sitz baths as often as you can to help relax the area and help promote the healing. To ease the pain, you might also want to use hemorrhoid creams while you recover.

The days following hemorrhoid banding is the perfect time to begin to improve your diet. Eat lots of fiber. This will help to soften your stools and make elimination easier while your anus heals. Your doctor will also give you a list of activities to avoid during your recuperation period.

Once the hemorrhoids fall off, you may or may not experience hemorrhoids bleeding depending on the number and size of the hemorrhoids being removed. You doctor will be able to tell you more precisely what to expect as far as bleeding.

In your follow up visit with your doctor, he will probably use the anoscope again to ensure that all of the hemorrhoids have been successfully removed.

Hemorrhoid banding has become popular over the years. Banding is one of top hemorrhoid treatment methods mainly because it is less invasive than hemorrhoid surgery. Although, times may be changing a bit as more and more physicians are engaging in removing hemorrhoids with lasers.

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