What is Hemorrhoid Banding?

If you have hemorrhoids, you probably know they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and itching. Sometimes they can even lead to bleeding you see in your stool or toilet paper when you wipe yourself.

Hemorrhoids develop when veins in your rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed. They may occur inside your rectum or on the skin outside your anus.

Although hemorrhoids can be annoying, they tend not to cause serious health consequences. And fortunately, various treatment methods can offer symptom relief. One of those treatment options is a minimally invasive technique known as hemorrhoid banding.

If you’re wondering what hemorrhoid banding is and what it involves, our care providers are happy to explain it to you. At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants in The Woodlands, Texas, our care providers, including Dr. Ilyas Memon, have extensive experience treating hemorrhoids. Here, they share some helpful information about hemorrhoid banding.

A treatable condition

Hemorrhoids have a range of treatment options. Our providers’ approach to addressing your hemorrhoid symptoms depends on several factors, including the intensity of your symptoms, the type of hemorrhoids you have, and previous hemorrhoid treatment.

Generally, your provider begins by recommending at-home treatments, such as the following:

• Increasing your fiber intake, which can soften your stool and make it easier for you to pass bowel movements
• Soaking your bottom in warm water
• Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Using over-the-counter topical preparations, pads, or suppositories that address hemorrhoid symptoms

If these treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your provider may recommend more advanced treatments, such as hemorrhoid banding, sclerotherapy (injecting a specialized solution into your hemorrhoid to shrink it), or laser treatment.

Minimally invasive hemorrhoid banding

Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny rubber bands to cut off blood flow to a hemorrhoid. Also known as rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding stops circulation to the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrivel up and eventually separate from your body and fall away.

Typically, hemorrhoid banding can be performed as an outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization or general anesthesia. Your provider administers a local anesthetic before the procedure to numb you.

Your provider uses specially designed instruments to place the band around the hemorrhoid during the procedure. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes for a single hemorrhoid, and may take a little longer if you have multiple hemorrhoids.

Discomfort after the procedure can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Relief for hemorrhoid symptoms

Don’t put up with hemorrhoid pain, itching, and discomfort any longer. To schedule an evaluation for hemorrhoids or any other digestive condition, please call 281-764-9500 or book an appointment online.