Treatment Overview
Rubber band ligation is a procedure in which the hemorrhoid is tied off at its base with rubber bands, cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. This treatment is only for internal hemorrhoids.
To do this procedure, a doctor inserts a viewing scope (anoscope) into the anus. The hemorrhoid is grasped with a small tool. Then a device places a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid then shrinks and dies and, in about a week, falls off.
A scar will form in place of the hemorrhoid. The scar will hold nearby veins so they don't bulge into the anal canal.
The procedure is done in a doctor's office. You will be asked if the rubber bands feel too tight. If the bands are extremely painful, a medicine may be injected into the banded hemorrhoids to numb them.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes. You can go home when it's done. Some people are able to return to regular activities right away. Others may need to take a few days off from work.
After the procedure, you may feel pain and have a sensation of fullness in your lower belly. Or you may feel as if you need to have a bowel movement.
Make sure not to lift anything heavy until you heal. It's also important not to strain when you have a bowel movement.
Treatment is limited to 1 to 2 hemorrhoids at a time if done in the doctor's office. Several hemorrhoids may be treated at one time if the person has general anesthesia. More areas may be treated at 4- to 6-week intervals.
