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Hemorrhoid banding
hemorrhoid banding · rubber band ligation · banding for piles · hemorrhoid treatment
The doctor places a tiny rubber band around the base of an internal hemorrhoid. It dries up and falls off in about 1 to 2 weeks.
For internal hemorrhoids that bleed or prolapse when ointments do not help.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes; you go home right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Bowels. An enema or mini-enema is usually done before the procedure. The clinic will tell you how and when.
- Food. A light breakfast is usually fine. Check with the clinic.
- At home. Have foods ready for soft stools: vegetables, fruit, yogurt drinks, and water.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ID
- A pad
How it goes
- You lie on your side or in a special chair
- The doctor inserts a small instrument into the anus to look
- A special device draws the hemorrhoid in
- A band is placed around its base
- Usually 1 to 3 hemorrhoids are treated at once
- The instrument is removed, and the procedure is done
What you'll feel
- Pressure and fullness during the procedure
- For a few days, a heavy feeling and dull ache
- An urge to go to the toilet, even though your bowel is empty
Afterwards
- Painkillers as your doctor prescribes
- Warm sitz baths help
- Keep stools soft: more water and fiber, and do not strain
- After 1 to 2 weeks, the hemorrhoid falls off. There may be a little blood
- Sometimes a repeat session is needed after a few weeks
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Heavy bleeding: call emergency services
- A fever over 38°C (100.4°F), or severe, growing pain
- You cannot pee
Common questions
Does it hurt?
The inside of a hemorrhoid has almost no pain nerves. Usually you feel pressure and a dull ache for a few days.
Can I go back to work right away?
Usually yes, the next day. Avoid heavy lifting for a few days.