Why is this procedure done?
Large, bulging blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum are called hemorrhoids. They can be found inside your body or on the outside. The anus is the opening of the rectum through which stool passes out of your body. You may need to have a procedure done if your hemorrhoids: ‚
- Are bleeding a lot.
- Are very painful.
- Have a blood clot. This is a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
- Are coming out through the anus. This is a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
With this procedure, a band made of rubber is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid. Putting on the band is often not painful. This cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid. In about one week, the hemorrhoid will die and fall off. Scar tissue will form in its place. ‚
What will the results be?
The pain and bleeding will be relieved. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Your doctor will do a rectal exam and may order some tests. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure is most often done in the doctors office. Your doctor will give you a local painkiller. Your doctor will put a small tube with a tiny camera into your anus. This will let the doctor see the hemorrhoids. After finding them, the doctor will put a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid using a special banding tool. The length of time for the procedure depends on how many hemorrhoids are treated. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after the procedure.
- You will feel pain after the procedure.
- Take your drugs for pain as ordered by your doctor.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Apply creams or ointments as ordered by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water. If your doctor says it is OK, take sitz baths as suggested. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Move your bowels as soon as you feel the urge.
- Use a stool softener.
- Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during a bowel movement.
- Do not sit on the toilet for long periods of time.
- Avoid heavy lifting for 2 or 3 weeks.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day.
- Eat lots of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Exercise often.
- Do not smoke. Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Talk to your doctor about when you can return to work.
What problems could happen?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, swelling, or anal itching or pain.
- Bleeding
- Hard stools
- Hemorrhoids come back
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚