Rubber band ligation is a non-invasive procedure for treating internal hemorrhoids. Rubber bands are placed around the base of a hemorrhoid, cutting off its supply of blood and completely killing it in a week’s time.
It is considered the most effective long-term nonsurgical treatment for internal hemorrhoids. The operation is successful for 8 out of 10 patients, and they are less likely to need other treatments unlike those who get coagulation treatment. Only 1 out of 10 people may need surgery.
When is rubber band ligation recommended
Rubber band ligation is the most common treatment recommended by doctors for internal hemorrhoids. It can be painful, and that is why some people prefer other treatments. However, rubber band ligation has been proven to be more effective than other less painful procedures. This also reduces the need for follow-up treatments in the case of recurring hemorrhoids.
Surgery can have better long-term results, but rubber band ligation is more affordable, has a shorter recovery time, and is less likely to result in complications during the procedure.
If there is a history of colon cancer in your family, your doctor might first look into your colon before doing rubber band ligation.
The procedure cannot be done if there is not enough hemorrhoidal tissue to place a rubber band. Doctors also do not recommend fourth-degree hemorrhoids to be treated with this procedure.
What to expect during a rubber band ligation
Rubber band ligation is done in a doctor’s office. The doctor inserts a viewing instrument into the anus to identify the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid is then held with a device, and a banding device is used to put a rubber band on the hemorrhoid.
The tightness of the rubber band can be painful. If it is beyond the tolerance of the patient, the hemorrhoid is numbed with a medicine injection.
Patients can experience pain and a feeling of fullness in their lower abdominal area directly after the procedure. They might also feel the urge to move their bowels.
Only one or two hemorrhoids are treated per procedure, unless the patient is under general anesthesia, in which case several more can be treated. It can take four to six weeks between each procedure to complete the treatment in all affected areas.
Rubber band ligation aftercare
People’s bodies respond differently after the procedure. There are patients who need two to three days of bed rest, and there are patients who can return to their daily activities apart from lifting heavy objects.
- Expect discomfort to last for a day or two
- Take Tylenol and sit in a warm, shallow bath for 15 minutes for pain relief
- Once the banded hemorrhoid falls off, slight bleeding can happen and will naturally stop
- Avoid aspirin and similar nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for four to five days before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding
- Trying to strain when passing stools increases the chance of recurring hemorrhoids; for smoother bowel movements, drink more water and take fiber-enriched stool softeners