Hemorrhoidal Banding

What is hemorrhoidal banding?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the anus and lower rectum that can cause bleeding and discomfort, sometimes severe. Symptoms for hemorrhoids include bleeding after a bowel movement, itching around the anal area, or rectal pain and discomfort.

Hemorrhoidal banding is a procedure performed to shrink and eliminate hemorrhoids, especially internal hemorrhoids, with the use of rubber bands.

What to expect from hemorrhoidal banding

During hemorrhoidal banding, your doctor will wrap one or two rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. Your doctor will use an anoscope, a tool that takes pictures of the affected area and helps with attaching the rubber bands. This technique restricts the blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and then, after a few days, fall off. The wound will heal in one to two weeks, leaving a scar that will prevent other hemorrhoids from popping up in its place. Hemorrhoid banding often causes only moderate discomfort, but your doctor can numb the banded hemorrhoid if you suffer from severe discomfort. Many patients will be able to return to their normal routines after the procedure, but others may require a few days of bed rest.