Hemorrhoids are painful, itchy, and bleeding-prone enlarged blood vessels in the anus or rectum. These conditions can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but treatment options are available. Hemorrhoid banding is a quick and safe procedure that can provide long-term relief from hemorrhoids. Know about this procedure, including how it functions and how to achieve the greatest outcomes.
How Hemorrhoid Banding Works
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can form within the lower rectum and anus. They are common in men and women and may happen at any age. Rubber band ligation, often known as hemorrhoid banding, is a successful, minimally invasive hemorrhoid therapy that has been shown to offer long-term relief. The doctor uses a ligator to grasp the hemorrhoid and place a band around it. It restricts blood flow to the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink and fall off over time. Once the hemorrhoid is gone, scar tissue forms, preventing it from forming again. Patients often report permanent, long-lasting relief. Hemorrhoid banding is most commonly performed for first- and second-degree hemorrhoids, but it’s also sometimes used for third-degree hemorrhoids if patients are experiencing bleeding or prolapse. In most cases, only one hemorrhoid is treated at a time.
Preparation
Hemorrhoid banding is a quick, painless procedure that works for most patients with first- and second-degree hemorrhoids. It’s recommended for most adults who have tried home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and found them ineffective. Hemorrhoids develop when a person strains during a bowel movement, which puts pressure on the veins in the anus. Normally, this swelling will resolve after pushing, but in some cases, it stays swollen or engorged. Hemorrhoid banding, commonly known as rubber band ligation, involves cutting off hemorrhoid’s blood supply with a tiny rubber band. It causes it to shrink and eventually fall off, usually over a week.
Procedure
Hemorrhoid banding is a quick, nonsurgical procedure less painful than surgery. It’s also much less expensive and has fewer complications than other hemorrhoid treatments. In this treatment, a doctor uses a ligator to apply a suction device that holds the hemorrhoids in place while a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. It prevents the nerve endings at the base of the hemorrhoid from feeling pain during the procedure. Post-banding, the hemorrhoid loses its ability to receive blood, leading it to enlarge and eventually detach within a fortnight. There might be some slight unease during this period, but it’s typically not severe enough to prevent you from resuming work or engaging in your regular activities. Hemorrhoid banding has proven effective in 8 out of 10 people who undergo it. But some people have a recurrence of their hemorrhoids after the treatment, so it’s important to consult your doctor before proceeding with this procedure.
Recovery
Hemorrhoid banding, a procedure characterized by minimal invasiveness and a lack of pain, typically allows individuals to resume work or their usual day-to-day tasks within 24 hours. It boasts a high safety and efficacy profile for the majority of patients, with serious adverse effects being infrequent. To perform the procedure, your doctor will insert an anoscope into the rectum until it reaches the hemorrhoid. Then, they will place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict blood flow. The hemorrhoid will eventually dry up and peel off during the following few days. In addition, the rectum wall will be left with a scar preventing the hemorrhoid from returning. Your physician would probably recommend a fiber-rich diet to enhance your recovery process and mitigate any potential discomfort you might experience. It will help to soften your stool, which can reduce the chances of constipation occurring. You can also drink plenty of water to ensure your fiber is properly absorbed.
