When Is Hemorrhoid Banding a Treatment Option?

Countless patients will experience the effects of hemorrhoids at some time during their life. Even though the exact cause of hemorrhoids may be unknown, a few factors that increase their risk include chronic constipation or diarrhea, and repeated straining when emptying the bowels, pregnancy, and obesity. Hemorrhoids, though generally uncomfortable, cause few serious complications and several treatment solutions are available to treat them.

If you believe hemorrhoids may be affecting your health and comfort, you can receive professional hemorrhoid treatment at Colorado Gastroenterology. Our gastrointestinal (GI) specialists in Denver, CO specialize in hemorrhoids and other conditions that affect the digestive tract. Your local GI specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology can explain the variety of hemorrhoid treatment options that may be available, including hemorrhoid banding.

Facts about hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids (also referred to as piles) are enlarged or bulging veins on the anus or in the rectum. Akin to varicose veins in the legs, hemorrhoids are generally uncomfortable though typically harmless. Hemorrhoids can be located internally or externally. Internal hemorrhoids, or those found within the rectum, often do not cause pain or discomfort, though they may bleed in some instances. External hemorrhoids, which are located beneath the skin in the anal region, generally cause a greater level of pain. Should a blood clot develop in an external hemorrhoid, it is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid and can be even more uncomfortable or painful. Common indications of hemorrhoids include:

• Blood in the stool

• Discomfort or itch in the anus

• Rectal bleeding

What is hemorrhoid banding treatment?

Often known as rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive procedure where an elastic band is situated around the base of the hemorrhoid. The tiny band cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid and over the course of a week, the hemorrhoid usually dries up and falls off. Patients who are ideal candidates for this medical process often suffer from internal hemorrhoids that frequently bleed or trigger major discomfort. It may also be recommended for those who have been unable to soothe their discomfort with other options, like over-the-counter medicine or lifestyle improvements. Hemorrhoid banding might not be advised for people who have inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding disorders, an allergy to latex, or rectal cancer.

How does hemorrhoid banding work?

The seasoned specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology commonly provide hemorrhoid banding for Denver, CO patients. The GI specialist places a scope into the anus and uses an instrument to secure the hemorrhoid while wrapping a small rubber band around its base. This treatment is typically performed only on single hemorrhoids unless the person is under general anesthesia. Innovative expertise enables this process to be nearly pain-free even in the absence of an anesthetic. However, most patients will experience a sense of fullness in the rectal area for about 24 hours. After the hemorrhoid has been treated, it usually requires several days for it and the band to fall off. Though this often takes place during a trip to the restroom, some patients do not even notice when the hemorrhoid detaches.

How effective is hemorrhoid ligation treatment?

Rubber band ligation is deemed more successful than many other hemorrhoid treatment options. The nonsurgical procedure is considerably less invasive as opposed to surgery and only requires around ten minutes or so when performed at Colorado Gastroenterology. Nearly 80% of individuals treated with hemorrhoid banding will need no additional procedures. Hemorrhoids eliminated with rubber band ligation are not as likely to grow back.

Get more information about hemorrhoid banding in Denver, CO

Many patients who have hemorrhoids feel uncomfortable when seeking medical treatment for this condition. Hemorrhoid banding performed by our Denver, CO gastroenterologists is a simple, minimally invasive option that has provided hemorrhoid relief to countless patients in the area. For additional information about hemorrhoid banding or to schedule a visit with a GI doctor, please contact our team at Colorado Gastroenterology today.