Hemorrhoids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure to remove them.
Banding is used to treat painful, swollen hemorrhoids. The procedure is most often done for the following reasons:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have hemorrhoid banding, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your doctor may do the following:
The procedure does not typically call for anesthesia. A local anesthesia may be used in some cases to numb the area.
An anoscope will be inserted through the anus. The doctor will look through the tube to see inside the rectum and locate the hemorrhoid. The doctor will then use a special banding tool. The tool will place a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. This will make the hemorrhoid fall off. More than one hemorrhoid may be banded. The band and the hemorrhoid will fall off in about 1-2 weeks.
This is a relatively quick procedure. The length of time depends on how many hemorrhoids need treatment.
Patients often report some discomfort during and after this procedure. If you feel sharp or severe pain, tell the doctor immediately. Mild pain medicine will help you manage discomfort during recovery.
For a few days, you may have difficulty controlling the passage of gas and bowel movements. When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Expect some bleeding when the hemorrhoid falls off. See your doctor for a follow-up 3-4 weeks after the procedure.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
http://www.fascrs.org/
National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/index.html
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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