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Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in your anus and low rectum. Banding can correct minor internal hemorrhoids.
Banding Procedure
First, a small, hallow rigid tube is placed into your anus to fully see the anus and lower rectum. With small tools, a latex band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply to the tissue. The hemorrhoid shrinks and the band falls off in 3-10 days. Many people do not see the bands fall off.
After the Banding
Activity
Nothing strenuous for 24-48 hours after the banding.
Do not lift more than 20 pounds for 24-48 hours.
Pain
Use Tylenol® as directed for pain relief. Ask your doctor when it is safe to take aspirin or ibuprofen. You may have rectal pressure and painful rectal spasms. This can last until the bands fall off. To help relieve these pains, sit in a bathtub of warm water 2 – 4 times a day for 10-20 minutes and after each bowel movement.
Bleeding
You may have some bleeding with bowel movements until the bands fall off. You may also have some pain and bleeding when the bands fall off in 3-10 days.
Prevent Constipation
Follow the urge to have a bowel movement, do not delay or ‘hold it.’
Banding can cause pressure and cause you to feel like you have to have a bowel movement, but no stool is present. It is very important to avoid straining to have a bowel movement.
Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses of fluid (water, juice, tea) per day.
Eat plenty of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals.
Take a stool softener (docusate sodium, Colace®) for the first week and begin a long-term bulk fiber laxative (Metamucil®). Follow package directions.
When to Call
Pain not relieved by Tylenol®.
Bleeding that does not stop after you apply pressure to rectal area for 10 minutes.
Fever greater than 100.4 F, taken by mouth.
Problems passing urine.
Who to Call
Digestive Health Center
(608) 242-2800 or 1(855) 342-9900
After hours, weekends or holidays, this number will be answered by the paging operator. Leave your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
