Hemorrhoid Banding Specialist

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids occur when swollen veins develop in your lower rectum near your anus. These veins are similar to varicose veins that can develop in your legs.

The exact cause of hemorrhoids isn’t known, but they may be due to several factors, including:

• A low-fiber diet
• Chronic constipation
• Straining during bowel movements
• Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
• Increased pressure on anus and rectum veins during pregnancy

About three-fourths of adults develop hemorrhoids during their lives. They can be internal or external, and cause various symptoms including discomfort, itching, and bleeding.

In many cases, hemorrhoids respond to at-home treatments like high-fiber diets, cold compresses, and over-the-counter topical creams. Other times they require medical treatment like hemorrhoid banding.

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive treatment where Dr. Rayapudi ties a rubber band around the base of your hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to the enlarged vein. It’s sometimes called rubber band ligation.

With hemorrhoid banding, your hemorrhoid typically reduces in size and falls off within a week. If you have several hemorrhoids, Dr. Rayapudi may perform this procedure several times.

What can I expect during my hemorrhoid banding appointment?

Dr. Rayapudi performs hemorrhoid banding as an outpatient procedure. He administers anesthesia or applies a topical pain reliever to your rectum. If you have several hemorrhoids, or they’re especially painful, he might recommend general anesthesia.

To apply the hemorrhoid bands, Dr. Rayapudi inserts an anoscope into your rectum. This device has a light and scope that enables him to see your rectal area more clearly. When he reaches your hemorrhoid, he uses a small ligator passed through the anoscope to apply the rubber band.

Once in place, the rubber band restricts blood flow to your hemorrhoid.

What can I expect after my hemorrhoid banding?

Following your procedure, you may feel mild discomfort for a few days. These symptoms typically include:

• Constipation
• Gas or bloating
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain or swelling

It typically takes one to two weeks for your hemorrhoids to fall out on their own.

To get relief from your hemorrhoid discomfort, call Gastro Office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about hemorrhoid banding.