Hemorrhoid Banding

Simply stated, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your lower rectum. They are a normal part of anatomy and function like a “shock absorber” when we defecate. There are 2 types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Each type can present different issues.

• Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless since the rectum contains few pain fibers. However, they can get large, and then pressure can cause the external hemorrhoids to swell. Also, they can bulge out from the anus and cause significant bleeding.
• External hemorrhoids are more uncomfortable since they occur under the skin around the anus where pain fibers exist. Also, they can form a blood clot within the external hemorrhoid, which can cause severe pain.

Hemorrhoid banding or ligation is a non-surgical method of treating troublesome hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation is the most widely used technique for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Dr. Kenneth Brown uses the CRH O’Regan System. This banding system is a very effective, minimally invasive procedure performed in his office that only takes a few minutes.

Regardless of whether the problem is internal or external, the hemorrhoids are fed by blood vessels above the internal hemorrhoids. The banding procedure will decrease the blood flow to the internal hemorrhoids, potentially reducing the size of the external hemorrhoids since they are ‘downstream’ from the internal hemorrhoids.

The banding procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to hemorrhoids. During the brief and painless procedure, a small rubber band is placed around the internal hemorrhoid base, where there are few pain-sensitive nerve endings.

Due to the lack of blood flow, this causes hemorrhoids to shrink, and the band will fall off typically within 24 hours. Once the hemorrhoid falls off, scar tissue takes its place. The scarring prevents any other veins from bulging into the anal canal, which equates to no more hemorrhoids.

Dr. Brown uses the CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Removal System when performing a Hemorrhoid Banding procedure. This system works for internal hemorrhoids. However, as previously described, removing internal hemorrhoids will lessen the blood flow to the external hemorrhoids. This will often reduce the size of the external hemorrhoids or cause them to dissipate altogether.

Hemorrhoid Banding offers patients a permanent and painless solution to the discomfort and recovery time associated with other hemorrhoid removal options.

Prep

Since the procedure is done in Dr. Brown’s Gastroenterology office, there is no need for fasting, bowel preparation, or anesthesia. We will review your health history and medications to ensure you will be a good candidate for hemorrhoid treatment.

After Banding Treatment

Generally, patients resume their regular activities immediately after the procedure. We do recommend avoiding heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or similar activities for 24 hours. Most patients have a sensation of fullness but not pain, which goes away in a few hours. You can have regular bowel movements immediately after the procedure.

While hemorrhoid banding can eliminate your internal hemorrhoids, it’s also critical to make lifestyle changes after your procedure to lessen the risk of developing new hemorrhoids.

These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids:

• Eat high fiber foods
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t resist the urge to have a bowel movement and avoid straining when doing so.
• Sit on the toilet for no more than a few minutes. Dr. Brown recommends not taking your cell phone with you into the bathroom to avoid distractions.
• Stay active

Dr. Kenneth Brown is a hemorrhoid doctor in Plano, TX. If you want to cure your hemorrhoids, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at (972) 867-0019.