Recovery From Hemorrhoid Banding

Recovery is between one to two weeks after the procedure

Hemorrhoids and band will dry up and fall off within one to two weeks after the procedure. However, some bleeding will be seen with the stool passage for a few days.

Hemorrhoid banding is a simple, painless, and highly effective procedure that involves placing tiny rubber bands around hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum.

Hemorrhoids are either internal or external, depending on the location. Internal hemorrhoids are covered with a lining called the mucosa that is insensitive to touch, pain, stretch, or temperature, whereas external hemorrhoids are covered by very sensitive skin.

Hemorrhoid banding is indicated in:

• Patients in whom other therapies have failed.
• Patients who are intolerant to the risk of anesthesia given during the surgery.
• Patients with cirrhosis or uremia (high blood urea level) (as an alternative therapy)

Hemorrhoid banding is avoided if the patient has below conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Pregnancy
• Latex allergy
• Significant protruding of the rectum
• Rectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as colitis
• Acute thrombosis (local blood clots)
• Suppressed immunity
• A perirectal abscess (pus formation near the anus)

Hemorrhoid banding is also avoided in patients who take anticoagulant medications.

Before the procedure: 

• You may have to stop taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) and Aggrenox (aspirin and dipyridamole) four to five days before the procedure.
• You may be asked to sign an informed consent form, which consists of the risk and benefits, alternatives, expectations, and length of the procedure.
• You may be given an enema on the previous night of the procedure.
• You may have to fast from a night before to the procedure.

During the procedure:

• Hemorrhoid banding can be performed either in a hospital or an office setting. Anesthesia may not be necessary while performing this procedure in an office setting. 
• An endoscope is used to hold the hemorrhoidal tissue, and elastic bands are placed 5 mm above the line that separates the dentate line (anal canal) to prevent clots.
• Other techniques involve a vacuum suction band ligator and an endoscopic suction ligator in which the bands are deployed by suction.

After the procedure:

• Post-procedure pain is likely for 24-48 hours. Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) can ease the pain.
• Bleeding may be observed for 7-10 days post the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous work for 24-48 hours after the procedure.
• Do not lift anything heavy for 24-48 hours.
• Avoid straining while defecating because it can lead to more hemorrhoids.

Check out for the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Blood in stools
• Inability to pass urine
• Pus discharge from the rectum
• Persistent pain

Do not delay or hold the urge to defecate after the procedure because it can lead to further complications. Avoid straining while defecating because it may lead to the recurrence of hemorrhoids.