Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are are enlarged veins that occur in the lower anus or rectum. A hemorrhoid might arise inside the rectum (internally) or outside, on the anus, (externally). It most often develops in the case that the vein walls in one's rectum or anus grow so thin that the veins swell or protrude. In some cases, a blood clot could grow in the hemorrhoid (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can cause discomfort. Hemorrhoids are quite common in the U.S., with over 1 million new cases identified each year.
One common method to remove a bothersome hemorrhoid is through rubber band ligation, also called hemorrhoid banding or hemorrhoid ligation. This procedure allows your provider to place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which restricts blood flow and causes the hemorrhoid to wilt and fall off within a week or two. If you are looking for information regarding hemorrhoid banding in Phoenix, AZ, our providers can help. At Arizona Digestive Health, our physician-led team of GI doctors commonly addresses hemorrhoids using rubber band ligation.
What are the benefits of hemorrhoid banding?
If you have been diagnosed with a hemorrhoid, you most likely have uncomfortable symptoms that go along with it, such as pain, itching, and bloody bowel movements. The hemorrhoid banding procedure at Arizona Digestive Health can be a simple, nonsurgical treatment option for many reasons. Benefits of rubber band ligation involve:
- Nonsurgical process: Since hemorrhoid banding is a nonsurgical treatment, you can generally avoid surgical difficulties or long recovery times. The hemorrhoid banding procedure is a safe procedure and allows you to get back to your normal routine rather quickly.
- Long-lasting: While at-home solutions, like baths, creams, or medicated pads, may relieve small hemorrhoids, these solutions usually only address hemorrhoid symptoms and not the cause. Hemorrhoid banding provides a longer-lasting option for care.
- Virtually painless: Though you may face slight discomfort during your hemorrhoid banding procedure, it should not cause discomfort as your hemorrhoid becomes smaller and detaches.
How is hemorrhoid banding performed?
Very little preparation is required for hemorrhoid banding. Patients are not subject to any bowel preparation and the recovery period following treatment is very short. Most patients can return to work the same day with minimal discomfort.
Your Arizona Digestive Health provider will first examine the rectum by using a device called an anoscope which will allow them to see the hemorrhoid. After the hemorrhoid is located, your provider will use a specialized instrument to hold the hemorrhoid and pull it away from the intestinal wall. Next, your provider will roll the rubber band onto the base of the hemorrhoid. The rubber band restricts the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid and within a few days, the hemorrhoid will shrivel up and detach. The hemorrhoid will usually come out during a normal bowel movement without you even noticing.
Patients can expect to feel minimal discomfort and will likely be able to finish the rubber band ligation in less than 10 minutes. Following the procedure, some patients may feel as if they need to have a bowel movement or experience a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen. To ensure minimal discomfort to the patient, our providers limit rubber band ligation to one or two hemorrhoids at a time. Patients with multiple hemorrhoids may require more than one visit.
What are the risks of rubber band ligation?
Rubber band ligation is the most widely used method for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Traditional banding techniques used metal forceps to grip the hemorrhoid and could cause bleeding and significant discomfort. Our providers performing rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids in Phoenix, AZ use methods that act with gentle suction to hold the hemorrhoid while the rubber band is placed.
Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids is considered very safe and low risk. Complications are rare but do include bleeding from the anus, infection in the anal area, pain, and swelling at the treatment site. To ensure proper healing and minimal chance of complications, please refrain from demanding physical activity immediately following your treatment.
For more information about the process of hemorrhoid banding and to learn about other treatments for hemorrhoids, please request a consultation with Arizona Digestive Health.
A nonsurgical way to treat hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid banding in Phoenix, AZ is a nonsurgical approach to relieving the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids that is routinely performed by a board-certified gastroenterologist. Our gastrointestinal physicians provide this routine procedure at Arizona Digestive Health and are proud to have helped thousands of individuals experience an end to suffering from hemorrhoid symptoms. If you deal with the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, we encourage you to connect with Arizona Digestive Health to receive more information on hemorrhoid banding or to locate a gastroenterology doctor.
Hemorrhoid Banding FAQs
How can you prepare for hemorrhoid banding?
In general, there is not anything you will need to do to prepare for your appointment. Your provider will likely discuss all of the prescriptions and/or vitamins and supplements you take daily, so you should carry a list with you. After the hemorrhoid banding process, it is helpful to have a friend or family member take you home and assist with daily tasks to avoid any strain while you recover. It is paramount to abide by pre- and post-op instructions given by our Arizona Digestive Health team.
Is the hemorrhoid banding process safe?
As with many procedures, there is minor risk associated with hemorrhoid banding, such as bleeding, recurring hemorrhoids, and infection. Our GI specialists strive to reduce inherent treatment risks. We will partner with you to help set you up for success throughout your recovery process.
Can you go back to work after a hemorrhoid banding procedure?
Returning to work after your hemorrhoid banding procedure is usually fine. Our gastroenterologists advise that you do not perform manual labor or strenuous activity on the day of your hemorrhoid banding. However, you can typically return to work after the treatment if you have a desk job.
Does hemorrhoid banding cause discomfort?
We aim to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit. Our doctors typically use a local anesthetic to reduce pain during the procedure; however, you may experience minimal discomfort during and after hemorrhoid banding.
Reviews
The simple hemorrhoid banding that I had have changed my life. It took less than 10 minutes of treatment, it was not painful, and I was right back out on the tennis court within an hour! I wish I had he did this advice 15 years ago!
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