When Is Hemorrhoid Banding Recommended?
Countless individuals will develop hemorrhoids during their life. Even though the precise reason for hemorrhoids may not be clear, some factors that increase their risk include chronic constipation or loose stools, pregnancy, obesity, and recurrent straining when emptying the bowels. Hemorrhoids, while highly uncomfortable, carry few serious complications and a number of effective treatment solutions are available to remove them.
Patients who are suffering from hemorrhoids can find professional hemorrhoid treatment at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our local New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists provide specialized care for hemorrhoids and additional conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The experienced gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide education on the types of hemorrhoid treatments that may be used, including hemorrhoid banding.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are bulging or enlarged veins on the anus or in the rectum. Similar to varicose veins located in the legs, hemorrhoids are commonly uncomfortable but typically innocuous. Hemorrhoids can be internally or externally located. Internal hemorrhoids, or those found within the rectum, usually do not result in pain or discomfort, though they may bleed in some instances. External hemorrhoids, which are located beneath the tissue around the anus, often result in the most discomfort or pain. In the event that a blood clot arises in an external hemorrhoid, it is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid and may be even more uncomfortable or painful. Common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- Discomfort or itch in the anus
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
Who is a good candidate for hemorrhoid banding?
Commonly called rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive treatment where a small rubber band is arranged around the base of a hemorrhoid. This band stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid and over the course of about 7 days or so, the hemorrhoid usually dries up and falls off. Patients who are good candidates for rubber band ligation have internal hemorrhoids that regularly bleed or cause major discomfort and who have been unable to soothe their discomfort with other remedies, such as nonprescription medicine or lifestyle improvements. Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids might not be advised for adults having inflammatory bowel disease, rectal cancer, a latex allergy, or bleeding disorders.
What is the hemorrhoid ligation process?
The experienced specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates routinely provide rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids in New Orleans, LA individuals. The gastrointestinal doctor places a scope into the anus and utilizes an instrument to secure the hemorrhoid before positioning a small rubber band around its base. Typically, the procedure is only conducted for one hemorrhoid at a time except for when general anesthesia is used. Cutting-edge approaches enable this process to be nearly painless even in the absence of numbing agents, though the majority of individuals will report a sensation of fullness in the rectum for about 24 hours following the procedure. Once the hemorrhoid is banded, it typically requires a few days for it and the ligature to detach, often during a trip to the bathroom. Oftentimes, patients do not even realize when this takes place.
How successful is hemorrhoid ligation treatment?
Rubber band ligation is regarded to be much more successful than many other treatments for hemorrhoids. The procedure itself is substantially less invasive as opposed to surgical options and only requires around ten minutes to complete when performed by the doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Around eight out of every ten patients who undergo rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids will not require further treatment. Hemorrhoids treated with rubber banding are a lot less likely to return.
Learn more about hemorrhoid banding in New Orleans, LA
It is common for adults who suffer from hemorrhoids to feel uncomfortable about getting professional care. Hemorrhoid banding at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is a minimally invasive and simple procedure that has provided increased comfort to many patients. Contact our caring team today to set up an appointment with a digestive health specialist in New Orleans, LA and to learn more about hemorrhoid banding or other