Hemorrhoid banding provides a safe and non-invasive treatment for painful hemorrhoids. At GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Maryland, the team of experienced gastroenterologists uses hemorrhoid banding to treat hemorrhoids that don’t respond to more conservative treatments. Banding stops blood flow to a hemorrhoid, causing it to die and fall off. Call the GI Associates of Maryland office today to schedule a hemorrhoid banding consultation, or book your appointment online.
Hemorrhoid banding is an outpatient procedure that treats itchy or painful hemorrhoids (inflamed anal blood vessels). Most hemorrhoids improve with at-home treatments, like cold compresses and warm baths, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, hemorrhoid banding provides lasting relief.
During treatment, your GI Associates of Maryland provider ties a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off blood flow, relieving pain and itching.
Hemorrhoid banding is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. For example, if you have a family history of colon cancer, your provider might recommend a colonoscopy first. Even if your colonoscopy results are negative, your provider might recommend annual screenings to be safe.
Before undergoing hemorrhoid banding, let your provider know your prescription medications and supplements. If you opt to undergo anesthesia, you should fast several hours before the procedure, only drinking water.
To make your recovery more comfortable, have a friend or family member stay with you for a day or two. Hemorrhoid banding presents few risks, but a loved one can help you avoid straining, which increases the risk of complications.
Hemorrhoid banding occurs at a hospital or surgical facility.
On the day of the procedure, you lie face down on an operating table, and your provider administers a topical or local anesthetic. If you have multiple hemorrhoids, your provider might administer general anesthesia, putting you to sleep.
After the anesthetic sets in, your provider inserts an anoscope tool — a thin tube with a small light on the end — into your rectum.
Once your provider locates the hemorrhoid, they insert a ligator tool through the anoscope. They use the ligator to tightly wrap a rubber band around the base of your hemorrhoid, cutting off its circulation.
Wrapping one hemorrhoid takes less than 10 minutes. But the procedure might take longer if you have multiple hemorrhoids requiring treatment.
After hemorrhoid banding, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort and gastrointestinal issues, including gas, abdominal pain, swelling, and constipation. Your GI Associates of Maryland provider might prescribe a laxative to help pass stool while your body heals.
Call the GI Associates of Maryland office today to see if you benefit from hemorrhoid banding or book your appointment online.