Hemorrhoid Banding
(Hemorrhoid Ligation; Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids)
Definition
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure to remove them.
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Reasons for Procedure
Banding is used to treat painful, swollen hemorrhoids. The procedure is most often done for the following reasons:
- Severely bleeding hemorrhoids
- Severely painful hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoid containing a blood clot (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
- Hemorrhoids that protrude through the anus (prolapsed hemorrhoids)
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have hemorrhoid banding, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Recurrence of hemorrhoids
- Swelling and pain from remaining hemorrhoids
- Adverse reaction to the local anesthetic (if used)
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Rectal exam
- Anoscopy—the visual examination of the inside of the anus using a short tube (anoscope) to help keep the sphincter open
- Sigmoidoscopy—the use of a specialized endoscope (a tube attached to a viewing device) to examine the inside of the anus, rectum, and lower intestine
Anesthesia
The procedure does not typically call for anesthesia. A local anesthesia may be used in some cases to numb the area.
Description of the Procedure
An anoscope will be inserted through the anus. The doctor will look through the tube to see inside the rectum and locate the hemorrhoid. The doctor will then use a special banding tool. The tool will place a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. This will make the hemorrhoid fall off. More than one hemorrhoid may be banded. The band and the hemorrhoid will fall off in abo