Hemorrhoid Banding in St. Louis, MO
What is hemorrhoid banding?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins that develop in the lower anus or rectum. A hemorrhoid could arise inside the rectum (internally) or on the anus (externally). A hemorrhoid most often develops when the vein walls in the anus or rectum become so thin that the veins swell or protrude. In some cases, a blood clot might develop in the hemorrhoid (referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can be the source of discomfort.
If a hemorrhoid becomes excessively painful or is the source of additional health complications, it may need to be removed. One procedure frequently performed to treat internal hemorrhoids is hemorrhoid banding, also referred to as rubber band ligation. If you want to learn more about hemorrhoid banding in St. Louis, MO our specialists can help. At Specialists in Gastroenterology, our physician-led team of gastroenterologists commonly address hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid banding procedures.
What are the benefits of hemorrhoid banding?
If you have ever been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, you more than likely have felt some of the associated symptoms like pain, itching, and bloody bowel movements. Hemorrhoid banding at Specialists in Gastroenterology can be a great nonsurgical option for treatment for various reasons. Some of the benefits of hemorrhoid banding procedures include:
- Practically painless: While you could encounter slight pain during your hemorrhoid banding procedure, it shouldn’t cause you discomfort as the hemorrhoid becomes smaller and falls off.
- Longer-lasting than alternative methods: While at-home solutions, such as a topical cream, bath solutions, or medicated pads, may relieve smaller types of hemorrhoids, they usually only address symptoms and not the actual cause. A hemorrhoid banding procedure offers a longer-term solution.
- Nonsurgical: Because hemorrhoid banding is a nonsurgical treatment option, you don’t have to worry about any surgical drawbacks or a long recovery. The hemorrhoid banding procedure is safe and allows you to get quickly back to your everyday life.
How is hemorrhoid banding performed?
Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure where blood flow to a hemorrhoid is cut off by securing a rubber band at its base. Soon after, the hemorrhoid will shrink and die. A scar will form where the hemorrhoid was, stopping surrounding veins from swelling or developing into additional hemorrhoids within the area.
Hemorrhoid banding is performed by placing an anoscope into the anus. Your gastroenterologist then secures the hemorrhoid and uses an instrument to place a band around the base of the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoid banding is generally used to treat one or two hemorrhoids simultaneously, except in cases where this procedure is performed under anesthesia.
What happens after a hemorrhoid banding procedure?
Depending heavily on the patient, the recovery period and process after hemorrhoid banding can differ. Some patients can resume normal function nearly immediately after the procedure, while others need a few days of rest in bed to recover. Pain is expected for up to 48 hours after hemorrhoid banding and bleeding can occur for up to 10 days following the procedure.
Our Specialists in Gastroenterology team will provide specific recovery instructions to follow once the hemorrhoid banding procedure is complete. To mitigate the possibility of bleeding, it is important to avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs for at least four days before and after the treatment. To minimize pressure in the rectum, it is suggested that the patient drink plenty of fluids and consume a diet with high amounts of fiber to help ensure easy bowel movements.
A non-surgical approach to hemorrhoid treatment
Hemorrhoid Banding FAQs
How can I prepare for hemorrhoid banding?
Generally, there is not anything you will need to do to prepare for your appointment. Your gastroenterologist will likely discuss any prescriptions and health supplements you take daily, so keep a record with you. Following the procedure, it’s important to have a friend or family member available to take you home and help with daily tasks so you can avoid additional strain while you heal. Additionally, it is vital to stick to any pre- or post-op instructions given to you by your Specialists in Gastroenterology doctor.
Is hemorrhoid banding a safe process?
Like many procedures, there is a minute chance of risk involved, like recurring hemorrhoids, infection, and bleeding. Our gastroenterology team takes measures to reduce potential risks. We work with you to set you up for a successful recovery process.
Will you be able to go back to work after hemorrhoid banding?
Generally, you can go to work after hemorrhoid banding. Our doctors suggest that you do not perform manual labor or strenuous activity following your hemorrhoid banding procedure, but those with a desk job can usually return to work after hemorrhoid banding.
Will hemorrhoid banding hurt?
Your doctor’s objective is to keep you relaxed and comfortable, no matter the reason for your visit. Your GI provider will apply or inject local anesthetic to minimize pain during the procedure, but you may notice slight discomfort both during and after your hemorrhoid banding.
