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Hemorrhoid Banding

(Hemorrhoid Ligation; Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
Reasons for Procedure
Possible Complications
What to Expect
Call Your Doctor

Definition

Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure to remove hemorrhoids. These are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum.

Reasons for Procedure

Banding is done to treat hemorrhoids that are:

  • Bleeding a lot
  • Causing severe pain
  • Contain a blood clot
  • Protrude through the anus

Grade 2 Hemorrhoid
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Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Hemorrhoids return

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia may be used. The area will be numbed.

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. A special banding tool will be used. The tool will place a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. More than one hemorrhoid may be banded.

How Long Will It Take?

This is a short procedure. How long it takes will depend on how many hemorrhoids need to be treated.

Will It Hurt?

Some people may have pain and swelling for a few days. Medicine care help

Post-procedure Care

At Home

It is normal to have some problems controlling gas and bowel movements for a few days. It will take 1 to 2 weeks for the band and the hemorrhoid to fall off. Physical activity will be limited during this time.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Been passing large amounts of blood
  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Problems passing stool or urine
  • An aching feeling between the rectum and the genitals

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
https://www.fascrs.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

REFERENCES:

Davis BR, Lee-Kong SA, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 Mar;61(3):284-292.

Hemorrhoids. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/hemorrhoids. Accessed January 8, 2021.

Hemorrhoids. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hemorrhoids. Accessed January 8, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD  Last Updated: 01/08/2021