Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment – Disposable Hemorrhoid Ligation System

Our doctors offer a better hemorrhoid treatment alternative using the latest in hemorrhoid banding systems, a non-surgical office hemorrhoid treatment. Our banders are a remarkable improvement over the old painful hemorrhoid banding system that used metal graspers. Our patients are so very thankful to have avoided painful surgery and finally get the comfortable bottom they deserve.

Our ligation system uses a sterile, disposable device to apply gentle suction to the problem area, with the physician then placing a small rubber band over one internal hemorrhoid. The rubber band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, reducing its size and pressure. The band may fall off as soon as 48 hours after the banding. There are usually three banding sessions required at two week intervals.

The procedure is relatively quick with minimal discomfort, since the banding of the area involved does not have the type of nerves that sense sharp pain. Topical lidocaine is used to help the procedure go quickly and smoothly. Placement of the band is done in a matter of seconds. You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum for the first 24 hours, but over-the-counter pain medication can usually relieve this feeling. Our patients frequently remark how amazed they are the treatment can be so quick and so helpful.

Many of the symptoms related to the external tags may go away with banding. Less than 10% of patients require removal of the tags. Bothersome external hemorrhoids or skin tags can be removed in the office under local anesthesia. Occasionally, more bleeding than usual can occur after the banding procedure. This is often from the untreated hemorrhoids rather that the treated one. Do not be concerned if there is a tablespoon or so of blood. If here is more bleeding than this please call your doctor. Lie down, drink water, and apply an ice pack to the area. If bleeding does not stop within a few minutes or you feel feint call your doctor and either come to his/her office or head to the nearest Hospital emergency room. Rarely the bleeding is due to an ulcer that occurs after the band falls off. This area may need to be cauterized. For passage of a large amount of blood or if you feel feint call your physician or head to the nearest Hospital emergency room.

Your Hemorrhoid Treatment

Your first office visit will include a consultation, sigmoidoscopy/anoscopy, and initial treatment of your condition which may be a topical compound ointment. You will be shown how the banding procedure works and be given time to have your questions answered. Banding is typically scheduled for your second visit. There are usually three banding sessions required at two week intervals with a final check-up a few weeks later.

The procedure is relatively quick with minimal discomfort, and we employ topical lidocaine to ensure the procedure goes quickly and smoothly. You can even drive yourself and return to normal activities the same day; no special preparation is needed and you may eat normally. For regular hemorrhoid treatment we recommend three banding sessions at two week intervals with a final check-up a few weeks later. Please note your treatment plan may vary depending on your diagnosis. You may feel better after the first band. The chances of recurrent hemorrhoid symptoms increases if you do not complete all of the recommended bands.

Post-Banding Instructions

Following the procedure, rest at home in the evening and resume full activity the next day. Avoid air travel and exercise for 24 hours. You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum for the first 24-72 hours, but over-the-counter pain medication may be taken if needed. If the pain does not respond to over the counter medications call your physician.

• Do not spend more than a few minutes on the toilet bearing down if you cannot empty your bowel; instead re-visit the toilet at a later time.
• A sitz bath (soaking in a warm tub) or bidet is useful for cleansing the area after every bowel movement until the area heals. This is especially helpful if you have had a minor surgical procedure such as removing an anal tag in addition to the banding procedure.
• To avoid constipation, take two tablespoons of natural wheat bran, natural oat bran, flax, Benefiber or any over the counter fiber supplement with 7-8 glasses of water.
• Unless prescribed a rectal medication, do not put anything inside your rectum for two weeks: No suppositories, enemas, fingers or other devices.
• Do not stay seated for more than 2-3 hours. Tighten your buttock muscles 10-15 times every two hours and take 10-15 deep breaths every 1-2 hours.
• If you are traveling out of the country or by airplane, take your fiber supplement with you. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. Walk for a few minutes of every hour.
• Problems are not common. However, if there is a substantial amount of bleeding, severe pain, chills, fever or difficulty passing urine (very rare), you should call your doctor’s office or report to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room.

Occasionally, more bleeding than usual can occur after the banding procedure. This is often from the untreated hemorrhoids rather than the treated one. Do not be concerned if there is a tablespoon or so of blood. If there is more blood than this, lie flat with your bottom higher than your head and apply an ice pack to the area. If the bleeding does not stop promptly or you feel faint, call your doctor’s office or go to the nearest emergency room.