Ocean Family Gastroenterology (OFG) is offering hemorrhoid banding, a new, non-surgical approach to removing hemorrhoids that is easy, painless, and convenient.
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, or straining during bowel movements. In midlife, hemorrhoids often become an ongoing complaint. By age 50, about half the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse (hemorrhoids that protrude through the anal canal). Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a recurrent and painful intrusion. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to treat Hemorrhoids from conservative at-home treatment to surgery.
Hemorrhoid Banding
Hemorrhoid Banding is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay in a hospital. We typically perform this procedure in the office.
Before the procedure, you will be given anesthesia or have a topical anesthetic applied to your rectum. If your hemorrhoids are very painful, or you need to have a lot of them banded, you may need general anesthesia.
Next, your doctor will insert an anoscope into your rectum until it reaches the hemorrhoid. An anoscope is a small tube with a light at the end of it. We will then insert a small tool called a ligator through the anoscope.
The doctor will use the ligator to place one or two rubber bands at the base of the hemorrhoid to constrict blood flow. This process is repeated for each hemorrhoid.
If any blood clots are found, they will be removed during the banding process. In general, hemorrhoid banding only takes a few minutes, but it could take longer if you have multiple hemorrhoids.
You may feel some discomfort for a few days after hemorrhoid banding, including gas, abdominal pain and swelling, and / or constipation. We may recommend taking a laxative to help prevent constipation and bloating. A stool softener can also help. You may also notice some bleeding for a few days after the procedure. This is completely normal, but you should contact your doctor if it does not stop after two or three days
For stubborn hemorrhoids, Hemorrhoid Banding can be an effective treatment option with relatively few risks. Contact Us for a consultation.