Hemorrhoid Banding in Utah
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Find a ProviderWhat is hemorrhoid banding?
Hemorrhoids (sometimes called piles) are veins that bulge under the skin around the lower anus or rectum. A hemorrhoid might arise inside the rectum (internally) or outside, on the anus (externally). You might experience one if the vein walls in your rectum or anus grow so thin that the veins bulge or protrude. In some cases, a blood clot might grow in the hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can cause pain.
If a hemorrhoid begins to become too painful or is the source of any other health complications, it may require removal. One technique frequently used to do away with internal hemorrhoids is hemorrhoid banding, known also as rubber band ligation. If you are looking for information regarding hemorrhoid banding in Utah, our providers can help. At Utah Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists commonly treat hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid banding procedures.
What are the benefits of hemorrhoid banding?
If you have ever had hemorrhoids, you are likely familiar with symptoms that go along with them, such as itching, discomfort, and bloody bowel movements. Hemorrhoid banding at Utah Gastroenterology offers a nonsurgical approach to to care and may be effective in many cases. Some of the benefits include:
- Lasting results: While at-home solutions, like topical creams, warm baths, or medicated pads, could address smaller types of hemorrhoids, these options generally only address hemorrhoid symptoms and not the root cause. A hemorrhoid banding procedure offers a longer-term treatment option.
- Nearly painless: While you may experience minor discomfort during the procedure, you will not likely experience pain as the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off.
- Nonsurgical: Since this is a nonsurgical treatment, you do not have to worry about surgical complications or long recovery times. This procedure is safe and can get you right back to your day-to-day life.
In what way is hemorrhoid banding performed?
In a hemorrhoid banding procedure, the blood flow to a hemorrhoid is constricted with the placement of a rubber band around its base. As time passes, the hemorrhoid will shrink and then die. A scar will then form in the place of the hemorrhoid, which will prevent surrounding vessels from swelling or creating more hemorrhoids in the vicinity.
Hemorrhoid banding is accomplished by inserting an anoscope into the anus. The physician then obtains a hold on the hemorrhoid and uses a tool to position a band encircling the base of the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoid banding is traditionally restricted to treating one or two hemorrhoids at a time unless the patient is placed under anesthesia.
What happens following a hemorrhoid banding procedure?
Patients may have significantly different recovery experiences following a hemorrhoid banding procedure. A portion of people are well enough to return to normal function almost immediately following the procedure, while others require a couple of days of bed rest in order to recover. Discomfort is common for up to 48 hours following hemorrhoid banding and bleeding could occur for as many as 10 days following the procedure.
Our Utah Gastroenterology gastroenterology office will provide detailed recovery instructions for you to abide by once the hemorrhoid banding procedure is finished. To lessen the risk of bleeding, it is of the utmost importance to avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for at least four days prior to or following the procedure. To reduce pressure in the rectum, it is recommended that patients consume sufficient fluids and ingest a diet with high amounts of fiber to promote smooth bowel movements.
A nonsurgical approach to hemorrhoid treatment
If you are seeking a nonsurgical treatment for hemorrhoids in Utah, you should consider speaking with a board-certified gastroenterologist about hemorrhoid banding. Our gastroenterologists provide this routine procedure at Utah Gastroenterology and have helped numerous people find a reprieve from hemorrhoid symptoms. If you are struggling with hemorrhoids, we encourage you to reach out to Utah Gastroenterology to learn more about hemorrhoid banding or to connect with a gastroenterology doctor.
Hemorrhoid Banding FAQs
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for hemorrhoid banding?
Usually, there is nothing you need to do prior to your hemorrhoid banding procedure. Your GI specialist will most likely discuss any prescriptions and/or health supplements you take daily, so you should have a record with you. Following the hemorrhoid banding, it can be helpful to have a trusted friend or family member help with daily tasks and reduce straining your body while you heal. It is also paramount to abide by pre- and post-op guidelines given to you by your Utah Gastroenterology provider.
Is hemorrhoid banding a safe procedure?
Similar to many other procedures, there is a small chance of risk involved, including infection, bleeding, and recurring hemorrhoids. However, our doctors work diligently to reduce the treatment risks. We will take steps to help set you up for a successful recovery process.
Can I go back to work after hemorrhoid banding?
In most cases, it is fine to work as normal following this procedure. Our gastroenterologists may suggest that you do not perform intense labor right after undergoing hemorrhoid banding. However, if you have a desk job, you can typically return to work after hemorrhoid banding. Further instructions will be provided by our team.
Does hemorrhoid banding hurt?
Our goal is to ensure you are as relaxed and comfortable as possible, no matter the reason for your visit. We may administer a local anesthetic to minimize pain, but you may notice a bit of discomfort during and after the hemorrhoid banding process.
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