Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is one of the most commonly recommended hemorrhoid treatments in the United States. It is a simple way to take care of internal hemorrhoids that keep bleeding, itching, or getting in the way of your day.
The idea is straightforward. Your gastroenterologist places a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict its blood flow. Without that blood supply, the hemorrhoid vein collapses, shrinks, and falls away on its own over the following days. You do not have to do anything to make that happen.
Best of all, banding is minimally invasive and done right in our office. There is no major surgery and very little downtime, so most people get back to their normal routine quickly.
When we recommend it
We often suggest banding when hemorrhoids have not settled down with simple steps like more fiber, more water, and over-the-counter creams. It is a good option when an internal hemorrhoid keeps causing bleeding or discomfort and you are ready for a longer-lasting fix.
Banding treats internal hemorrhoids. If your symptoms are coming from something else, such as an anal fissure, we will talk through the treatment that fits your situation instead.
How the procedure works
The visit itself is short. Your gastroenterologist uses a small instrument to place one or more rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. Most people feel a sense of pressure or fullness rather than sharp pain, and the whole thing usually takes only a few minutes.
Because banding is so quick and gentle, we often treat one hemorrhoid at a time and bring you back for any others. This keeps you comfortable and lets us check your progress along the way.
What to expect afterward
You can usually return to most of your normal activities the same day. It is common to feel mild pressure or a dull ache for a day or two, and you may notice a small amount of bleeding when the hemorrhoid falls away. We will give you simple aftercare instructions, including tips on fiber, fluids, and avoiding heavy straining.
Call us if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or trouble passing urine. These are uncommon, but we want to hear from you right away if they happen.
How we keep you comfortable
Sometimes we find hemorrhoids during a routine colonoscopy, which gives us a clear look at what is going on and helps us plan the right next step. When banding is the answer, our goal is steady, lasting relief with as little disruption to your life as possible.
Schedule a visit
If hemorrhoids are wearing you down, we can help. Call The Gastroenterology Group at (330) 869-0954 to request a visit at our Akron or Massillon office, and we will help you find comfortable, lasting relief. We welcome new patients.