When Is Hemorrhoid Banding Needed?

A multitude of patients will likely experience hemorrhoids at some time in their life. Although the primary source of hemorrhoids is often unknown, a few factors associated with the condition are obesity, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, and repeated straining when emptying the bowels. Though highly uncomfortable, hemorrhoids carry few serious complications and a number of effective treatment options may be performed to get rid of them.

Should you notice signs or symptoms of hemorrhoids, we encourage you to seek hemorrhoid relief at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Our practice proudly features digestive health specialists in DFW who specialize in hemorrhoids and other conditions that impact the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your local gastroenterologists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants can help educate you on the types of hemorrhoid removal procedures available, such as hemorrhoid banding.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are bulging or enlarged blood vessels present in the anal canal or in the lower portion of the rectum. Similar to varicose veins in the legs, hemorrhoids are often painful although generally harmless, and can be located internally or externally. Internal hemorrhoids, which are positioned within the rectum, usually do not result in pain or discomfort, though they can bleed in some instances. External hemorrhoids, or those located under the surface of the skin in the anal region, typically cause the most discomfort or pain. When a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it is referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid and could be even more uncomfortable or painful. Common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

• Bloody stools

• Rectal bleeding

• Itching or discomfort in the anus

Who is a candidate for hemorrhoid banding?

Often referred to as rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids, hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive treatment where a tiny rubber band is positioned around the hemorrhoid's base. The small band stops the hemorrhoid's blood flow, often causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off over the course of a week. Good candidates for this procedure suffer from internal hemorrhoids that bleed or result in major discomfort and those who have not been able to ease their discomfort with nonprescription medicaments, changes in lifestyle, or other therapies. Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids might not be suited for adults with bleeding disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal cancer, or a latex allergy.

What is the hemorrhoid banding process?

The seasoned specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants routinely conduct hemorrhoid banding procedures for DFW patients. The GI specialist inserts a scope into the anus and utilizes a device to secure the hemorrhoid. A tiny band is then positioned carefully around its base. Typically, only one hemorrhoid per procedure is treated unless the patient is under general anesthesia. Refined methods enable this treatment to be relatively painless for the individual even without anesthetic, though many people will experience a sense of fullness in the rectum for about a day. After the hemorrhoid has been banded, it usually takes several days for it and the ligature to come off, which often happens during a regular trip to the bathroom. Some people do not even realize when this occurs.

How effective is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is considered much more successful than many other hemorrhoid treatment options. As a nonsurgical procedure, it is significantly less invasive as opposed to surgical options and takes approximately ten minutes or so to complete at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. About 80% of those treated with hemorrhoid banding will not require further care. Hemorrhoids addressed with rubber banding are considerably less likely to grow back.

Discover more about hemorrhoid banding in DFW

Many patients who have hemorrhoids feel self-conscious about seeking medical care. Hemorrhoid banding is a simple, effective process that has provided relief for numerous individuals across the region. For further details surrounding hemorrhoid banding and other treatment options, contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to book an appointment with a DFW gastroenterologist.