Hemorrhoid Banding Specialist Q&A

Rubber band ligation is the procedure done to remove hemorrhoids with a rubber band. Hemorrhoids have a tight rubber band placed at their base, which cuts off the blood flow. This treatment is only used for internal hemorrhoids.

The normal time for a hemorrhoid to fall off after it has been banded is about one to two weeks. You can have one or two done at the same time. If you require more to be done, you may be required to wait four to six weeks between treatments.

After the procedure, your doctor will advise you about what to expect and what you can and cannot do. You should avoid any kind of strenuous work for 24-48 hours afterward. You should not lift anything that is heavy for 24-48 hours after the procedure. You will also want to refrain from straining while defecating, as it can lead to more hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid banding is typically an outpatient procedure. Your doctor may be able to do this in their office.

Topical anesthesia will be applied to your rectum before the procedure. If your hemorrhoids are more severe, you may be given general anesthesia. The procedure is done by a doctor who inserts a viewing scope with a light on it into the anus. The hemorrhoid is held with a small tool called a ligator. Then, using the device, a rubber band or two is fastened around the base of the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids will dry up and die, eventually falling off.

If your doctor finds blood clots while doing the procedure, they will be removed. Hemorrhoid banding is typically completed in a few minutes. If you have more than one, it can take longer.

After the procedure, the hemorrhoids will dry up and fall off. This will take one to two weeks. You may not notice when the hemorrhoids fall out as they will be mixed in with a bowel movement.

You may feel uncomfortable for a few days, and this discomfort may include, flatulence, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, constipation, or gas. Your doctor may suggest taking a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation or bloating. You may also have some bleeding for the first few days. If it lasts for more than three days, you should contact your doctor.

If you have certain health conditions, hemorrhoid banding is not recommended. If you have the following, it is best to avoid hemorrhoid banding.

• Bleeding disorder
• Latex allergy
• Rectal cancer
• Pregnancy
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Acute thrombosis
• Significant protruding rectum
• Suppressed immunity
• Perirectal abscess

Hemorrhoid banding should be avoided by people who take anticoagulant medications.

Digestive Disease Care provides services for all types of gastroenterological problems, including hemorrhoids. If you are looking for a specialist to address your hemorrhoid issues, please come to Digestive Disease Care. We have board-certified medical professionals on staff who can provide the care you need. To find out more, please call or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY and BEYOND.