Hemorrhoids: Rubber-Band Ligation
Hemorrhoids are swollen and twisted veins in the rectum and anus.
They are sometimes called "piles" and are often likened to varicose veins in the legs.
(There is a difference but for purposes of this discussion, it is a good analogy.
) Mild hemorrhoids are typically responsive to home care (as we have discussed in the past).
Comfort measures, such as creams and suppositories, Sitz baths (warm water soaks), mild pain relievers, ice packs, dietary modification, and so on are often enough to help one through the crisis.
However, when hemorrhoids have become bothersome because of pain, bleeding, itching, discharge, or prolapse (falling out)...
it is usually necessary to take a more aggressive approach.
One of the most widely used approaches is rubber band ligation.
This procedure is typically done in the doctor's office and is usually very effective.
Exactly how is it done? Most commonly you will be positioned on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
The physician will insert a lighted instrument, called an proctoscope, into the rectum through the anus.
This will enable him to see the targeted hemorrhoids.
He will either grasp them with a clamp-type instrument (called a ligator) or suction them into a device to hold them in place.
The doctor will ask you to strain, or push, as though you were moving your bowels.
A small rubber band will be applied to the base of the hemorrhoid.
He may inject a sclerosing (hardening) agent into the hemorrhoid itself so as to keep it from slipping out of the bands (if he feels this is a possibility).
The physician will check with you frequently to ensure that you are not experiencing undue pain.
The tightness of the rubber bands will cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid.
Deprived of its blood supply, the hemorrhoid in front of the band will dry up and fall off, usually in 5-7 days.
The tissue that is behind the band will form a scar which will hold any remaining tissue in place to keep it from prolapsing or bleeding.
This procedure may be repeated in future visits if there are other hemorrhoids in need of attention.
If you experience excessive pain or bleeding after the procedure, check with the doctor.
He will probably advise you to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever (not anything with aspirin in it though) and a Sitz bath (sit in warm water).
You will be instructed about all of these issues before you leave the office and you will be given contact information in case you have any questions.
Rubber band ligation has been used with great success for decades.
For many sufferers of internal hemorrhoids, it is a viable option for dealing with out-of-control, life-of-their-own piles! Until next time!
They are sometimes called "piles" and are often likened to varicose veins in the legs.
(There is a difference but for purposes of this discussion, it is a good analogy.
) Mild hemorrhoids are typically responsive to home care (as we have discussed in the past).
Comfort measures, such as creams and suppositories, Sitz baths (warm water soaks), mild pain relievers, ice packs, dietary modification, and so on are often enough to help one through the crisis.
However, when hemorrhoids have become bothersome because of pain, bleeding, itching, discharge, or prolapse (falling out)...
it is usually necessary to take a more aggressive approach.
One of the most widely used approaches is rubber band ligation.
This procedure is typically done in the doctor's office and is usually very effective.
Exactly how is it done? Most commonly you will be positioned on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
The physician will insert a lighted instrument, called an proctoscope, into the rectum through the anus.
This will enable him to see the targeted hemorrhoids.
He will either grasp them with a clamp-type instrument (called a ligator) or suction them into a device to hold them in place.
The doctor will ask you to strain, or push, as though you were moving your bowels.
A small rubber band will be applied to the base of the hemorrhoid.
He may inject a sclerosing (hardening) agent into the hemorrhoid itself so as to keep it from slipping out of the bands (if he feels this is a possibility).
The physician will check with you frequently to ensure that you are not experiencing undue pain.
The tightness of the rubber bands will cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid.
Deprived of its blood supply, the hemorrhoid in front of the band will dry up and fall off, usually in 5-7 days.
The tissue that is behind the band will form a scar which will hold any remaining tissue in place to keep it from prolapsing or bleeding.
This procedure may be repeated in future visits if there are other hemorrhoids in need of attention.
If you experience excessive pain or bleeding after the procedure, check with the doctor.
He will probably advise you to take a mild over-the-counter pain reliever (not anything with aspirin in it though) and a Sitz bath (sit in warm water).
You will be instructed about all of these issues before you leave the office and you will be given contact information in case you have any questions.
Rubber band ligation has been used with great success for decades.
For many sufferers of internal hemorrhoids, it is a viable option for dealing with out-of-control, life-of-their-own piles! Until next time!