Aemorrhoid banding, otherwise known as rubber band ligation, is one of the surgical procedures recommended for hemorrhoid removal. You may wonder how invasive the procedure is and if there are risks linked to the process. These are better discussed in the foregoing facts about hemorrhoid banding.
Fact # 1 – Hemorrhoid Banding and How it Works
This type of procedure is one that requires local anesthesia. The anesthesia is injected on a numb part of the area being treated. Because of this, you should expect that you can be awake the whole time the process is being done and you will not experience any pain at all. From here, the different steps for the banding procedure take place:
Hemorrhoid Banding
- The first step in the process is the insertion of the anoscope in the anus. This is an instrument that looks like a tube and is equipped with light thus helpful in exposing the hemorrhoids to the doctor. All hemorrhoids seen in the area will also be held by the anoscope. This is done while two rubber bands are placed on the internal hemorrhoids’ base.
- From the banding of two internal hemorrhoids all at the same time, the internal hemorrhoid will be cut and will fall off in due time, typically within two weeks after the procedure has been conducted. In some instances, the doctor will also cut the hemorrhoid to be able to get rid of the blood clot that may build in the area.
- After the procedure, a scar may develop especially in that area where the hemorrhoid once stayed. This scar will actually help in making sure that the veins will not protrude through the anal opening.
- In cases when a patient may complain of pain while the hemorrhoids are being handled by the anoscope, no banding will be done. If this will be insisted by the doctor, there is a tendency that much more pain and discomfort will be felt in the area. There are instances when the doctor may recommend the use of a pain reliever as well.
Fact # 2 – Hemorrhoid Banding Procedure Recovery
You will certainly be interested to know what to expect once the hemorrhoid banding has been done. Well, first you will feel pain within one to two days. This pain may be either of two ways – one is the fact that you may feel a discomforting sensation in the lower abdomen and the other is the fact that you feel like you want to go to the comfort room and defecate. In some instances, urinating may also be hardly controlled a few days after rubber band ligation.
Minimal bleeding may also be seen especially during the first two weeks as the wound takes time to heal. But then, to monitor your condition, your doctor will ask you to visit him a month after the procedure has been done. You can also return to work if you wish to but that will depend upon how your body will react to the operation. Sexual activities on your part may also be made within a few days after the operation has been made.
Fact # 3 – Recovering from Rubber Band Ligation
There are certain recommendations to take in mind when you want to recover fully from this process. For one, you will be advised to take hemorrhoid pain relievers and have warm baths for 10 minutes (this can be done up to 15 minutes as well). Cleansing the wound will be made possible by these procedures. Once you are through with your warm bath, make sure you will dry the area using a moist cotton pad or towel. Bathing is recommended after each bowel movement. There are cases though when doctors recommend bathing every four hours.
Holding your breath while making bowel movements should also be prevented. This will only make hemorrhoids recur. In view of this, you may be advised to make a few dietary changes like the incorporation of fiber in your meals and the use of stool softeners. These, together with physical activities, will help get rid of constipation.
Fact # 4 – Hemorrhoid Banding Risks
There are certain risks commonly associated with rubber band ligation. There are instances that local anesthesia is not enough to numb the area of concern. This will then result to the part being non-responsive to pain relievers as well. When doctors place the bands very close to the anal canal, discomfort may also be felt. Blood clots may often be present too and this may result to thrombosed external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid banding is no different from other types of treatment for hemorrhoids. It can pose side effects especially because it is an invasive procedure. To avoid all the risks involved in the process, it is best to make sure that the treatment is indeed recommended for the type of hemorrhoids you have.
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