What Is Hemorrhoid Banding?
Countless patients will likely develop hemorrhoids at some point during their lifetime. Even though the exact source of hemorrhoids might not be obvious, some factors that increase their risk are pregnancy, being overweight, recurrent constipation or diarrhea, and frequent straining when emptying the bowels. Although uncomfortable, hemorrhoids typically are not a serious concern and several treatment methods are available to address them.
If you believe you might have hemorrhoids, we invite you to seek professional hemorrhoid treatment at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our office is your source for GI doctors in New Orleans, LA who have advanced expertise in hemorrhoids and other issues that affect the digestive system. Your local digestive health specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can explain the variety of hemorrhoid treatment options that may be recommended, such as hemorrhoid banding.
How do hemorrhoids form?
Hemorrhoids (also referred to as piles) are bulging or enlarged veins on the anus or in the lower portion of the rectum. Akin to varicose veins present in the legs, hemorrhoids are commonly painful but most often harmless. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids, or those found within the rectum, typically carry no pain or discomfort; however, they might bleed at times. External hemorrhoids, which are found beneath the skin surrounding the anus, can result in a greater level of discomfort or pain. In cases where a blood clot occurs in an external hemorrhoid, it becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can cause even further discomfort or pain. Common indications of hemorrhoids are:
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Bloody stools
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Bleeding in the rectum
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Itching or discomfort in the anal region
Facts about hemorrhoid banding
Additionally called rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a minor procedure where a tiny elastic band is placed around the hemorrhoid's base. This band prevents blood flow to the hemorrhoid and within about a week, the hemorrhoid generally shrinks and falls off. Ideal candidates for this nonsurgical procedure may have internal hemorrhoids that consistently bleed or cause considerable discomfort and who have not been able to alleviate their pain with nonprescription medicine, lifestyle improvements, or other solutions. Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids might not be recommended for patients with rectal cancer, an allergy to latex, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What is the hemorrhoid banding process?
The expert specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates commonly conduct rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids in New Orleans, LA adults. The gastrointestinal doctor places a special scope into the anus and utilizes an instrument to hold the hemorrhoid while securing a tiny rubber band around its base. Generally, the procedure is only conducted for one hemorrhoid at a time except for when the patient is under general anesthesia. Innovative approaches allow this hemorrhoid treatment to be relatively pain-free for the patient, even without an anesthetic, though most patients report a sensation of fullness in the rectal area for about a day. Once the hemorrhoid is addressed, it usually requires a few days for it and the rubber band to detach. In some instances, patients are not even aware of when this takes place.
What is the effectiveness of hemorrhoid ligation treatment?
Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids is considered more successful than many other treatments for hemorrhoids. The procedure itself is less extensive as opposed to a surgical approach and only requires approximately ten minutes or so when performed at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. About eight out of every ten people who receive hemorrhoid banding will need no further care. Hemorrhoids treated with rubber band ligation are a lot less likely to redevelop.
Schedule a consultation for hemorrhoid banding in New Orleans, LA
We realize that many patients who have hemorrhoids feel self-conscious about seeking medical assistance. Hemorrhoid banding is an effective and simple procedure that has brought improvement to countless patients throughout New Orleans, LA. For additional information about rubber band ligation and other ways to treat hemorrhoids, get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today to set up a consultation with a digestive health specialist.