Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid Banding is a brief and painless procedure where a small rubber band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid in an area where there are few pain-sensitive nerve endings. While in the office, the procedure takes approximately 60 seconds, and no preparation is required. The banding procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to the banded tissue, and causing the surrounding hemorrhoid tissue to scar back into place. The scarring process eliminates the cause of problems in patients, and it typically takes several weeks for the full recovery effect to be reached. The banded tissue dies and falls off, mixing in with stool, and the hemorrhoid shrinks as a result of the above. Once the banded tissue falls off, the resulting wound heals in a few days. In order to maintain the highest level of safety, one hemorrhoid is treated at a time.

There are three sites where hemorrhoids form frequently, and so the majority of patients require three separate treatment sessions. Some patients will have their symptoms relieved with fewer than three treatments, and others may require more treatments.

Discuss with your gastroenterologist to confirm your diagnosis and to determine if the hemorrhoid banding procedure would be beneficial for your treatment needs.