Hemorrhoid Banding

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus caused by increased pressure or straining, typically due to constipation, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, heavy lifting, long periods of sitting, or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching, bleeding, burning, blood clots, and infection if left untreated. They are common in both men and women.

In Western countries, hemorrhoids due to constipation are associated with diets low in fiber and high in fat. After age 30, the incidence of hemorrhoids increases, and by age 50, about half of the population will have experienced them.

How do I treat Hemorrhoids?

Treating hemorrhoids with creams and suppositories provides temporary relief for symptoms such as pain and itching. They cannot shrink the hemorrhoid, stop it from growing larger, or make it go away. In the past, chronic hemorrhoid sufferers had to resort to surgery for relief when treating symptoms was not enough.

Today, a procedure called the CRH O’Regan Disposable Hemorrhoid Banding System has all but eliminated the need for surgery. Hemorrhoid banding allows patients to be treated quickly and resume normal activity with very little discomfort. Most patients with office jobs find they can return to work the same day.

Our physicians have performed thousands of rubber band ligations on patients. It is the most frequently used nonsurgical treatment for hemorrhoids in the world.

Are there side effects and/or risks to Hemorrhoid Banding?

You may experience a dull ache or a sense of fullness in the rectum within the first 24 hours, but this can generally be relieved by over-the-counter pain medications.

Some patients may have a little bleeding, discomfort, and urine hesitancy, but these are considered minor complications. It’s important that you refrain from rigorous activity immediately following your treatment to reduce the risk of any complications.

What will happen when I arrive for my Hemorrhoid Banding?

  • A brief medical history will be reviewed with you by a nurse.
  • You will provide a list of any current medications you are taking along with any allergies you have to medications.
  • You will be asked to remove your clothing and change into a patient gown.

What will happen during my Hemorrhoid Banding?

  • The CRH O’Regan method – unlike traditional banding techniques – uses a gentle suction device that reduces the risk of pain and bleeding.
  • The doctor will place a small rubber band at the base of the swollen vein to strangle it and cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid.
  • The treatment itself takes less than five minutes and can be performed in one of the Dayton Gastroenterology offices or endoscopy centers.
  • The band placement is relatively painless due to this refined technique, and it does not require anesthesia or other numbing agents.

What will happen after my Hemorrhoid Banding?

After the procedure is complete, the banded tissue will shrink and fall off with the rubber band. Typically, this happens within a few days after your appointment during a routine trip to the toilet, and you may not even notice when it happens.

What else should I know about my Hemorrhoid Banding?

Our doctors perform one treatment per visit. Patients with multiple hemorrhoids may require two or three treatments which are scheduled a few weeks apart.

How do I prepare for my Hemorrhoid Banding?

There is no preparation needed for this procedure.