What is rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids?
Rubber band ligation treats hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area. In most cases, this procedure can be done in the doctor's office. Your doctor can treat one or two hemorrhoids at a time. This treatment is only for internal hemorrhoids.
Why is rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids done?
Rubber band ligation is the most widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids. If you still have symptoms after three or four treatments, surgery may be considered.
Rubber band ligation cannot be used if there is not enough tissue to pull into the banding device. This procedure is almost never appropriate for fourth-degree hemorrhoids.
How is rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids done?
Your doctor will insert a viewing scope (anoscope) into your anus. The hemorrhoid is grasped with a small tool. Then a device places a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This stops blood flow to the hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids shrink and fall off 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
You will be awake during the procedure. You may feel some discomfort. You will be asked if the rubber bands feel too tight. If the bands are too painful, a medicine may be injected into the banded hemorrhoids to numb them.
You will be able to go home right after the procedure.
After rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You are short of breath.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You are sick to your stomach and cannot drink fluids.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of your knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take your pain medicine.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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