If you’re suffering from internal hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation is a treatment option available. Rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids places a surgical-grade band around the neck of the hemorrhoid. In effect, it chokes the blood supply of the hemorrhoid, resulting in the hemorrhoid disappearing in a week or 2.
In general, band ligation is a safe office procedure. It is relatively pain free and no anesthesia or painful shots are needed. It produces very good results with minimal complications. Here at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence in Los Angeles, we offer the following tips on recovering from hemorrhoid banding.
Steps to Recovery
The recovery time after hemorrhoid banding is minimal with very little pain or discomfort. The key is to take care of the area after the procedure to avoid a recurrence of the hemorrhoids. Here are some tips to facilitate a successful hemorrhoid recovery.
1. Take sitz baths as recommended. Sitz baths will help relieve discomfort and clean the area. For a sitz bath, sit in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Pat the area dry. Do not wipe or rub vigorously. You may be advised to take a sitz bath twice a day and after every bowel movement. Devices are available to place on top of the toilet to make this process easier.
2. Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
3. Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
4. Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Spend no more than a few minutes on the toilet bearing down if you cannot empty your bowel; instead re-visit the toilet at a later time.
5. To prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, use a stool softener, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods (eg, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains). You can also take two tablespoons of natural wheat bran, natural oat bran, flax, Benefiber or any over the counter fiber supplement with 7-8 glasses of water.
6. Do not stay seated for more than 2-3 hours. Tighten your buttock muscles 10-15 times every two hours and take 10-15 deep breaths every 1-2 hours.
7. Do not drink alcohol.
8. Apply creams or ointments as directed by your doctor.
9. Avoid heavy lifting for two or three weeks.
10. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
When to Call Your Doctor
Problems are not common with the banding procedure. However, if there is a substantial amount of bleeding, severe pain, chills, fever or difficulty passing urine (very rare), you should call our colorectal specialists at (888) 742-2032 or visit your nearest Emergency Department to seek medical attention.
Contact Our Board-Certified Colorectal Surgeons
The experienced colorectal surgeons and GI specialists at La Peer Health Systems’ Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence are experts in hemorrhoid band ligation, or simply hemorrhoid banding. To learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation at our Los Angeles facility today by calling (888) 742-2032.