Rubber Band Ligation
Sometimes hemorrhoids become chronic or complicated and when this happens, or hemorrhoids keep flaring up at regular intervals, your doctor may advise you on various treatment options and one of these could be rubber band ligation where elastic bands are applied onto an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Within a week or two of such rubber band ligation surgery, a withered hemorrhoid will slough off during your normal bowel movement.
When performing this rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids, the doctor inserts a viewing device known as an anoscope into the anus. The hemorrhoid is then grasped with another instrument called a ligator and a device places a latex rubber band around the neck of the hemorrhoid. This band strangulates the hemorrhoid’s blood supply so that it drops off within a week or two.
This rubber band ligation surgery is particularly suited to internal chronic or complicated hemorrhoids because they do not have sensitive pain nerve fibers of the skin so fortunately there is very little or no pain involved. However because external skin is painful this is why rubber band ligation is not suitable for external hemorrhoids.
The advantages of rubber band ligation are:
There is no hospital stay
There is no anesthetic
There is minimal pain
There is minimal time off work
This is one of the least expensive treatments
This is one of the most effective treatments
This procedure has the minimum of side effects
However, there are also some disadvantages to this rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids but rest assured that any side effects are uncommon:
It may be necessary to have more than one course of treatment.
There may be severe pain that does not respond to the pain relief and this may be because the bands are too tight or they may be too close to the area in the anal canal that contains pain sensors. In such a case, they would have to be re-applied by the doctor.
There may be bleeding from the anus.
There may be an Inability to pass urine (urinary retention).
There could be Infection in the anal area.
After you have had rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids, you should rest in the doctor’s rooms for 15 or 30 minutes and to ensure there are no complications before someone drives you home. Have plenty of rest over the next few days.
Try to avoid having a bowel movement on the same day as the treatment. This is unlikely as the doctor will have given you an enema before the procedure anyway. Once your bowel movements return to normal, avoid straining and do not sit on the toilet for more than a few minutes.
Make sure you carry on with a high bulk diet (that is with one with plenty of bran, fresh fruit and vegetables) while drinking lots of fluids as you must avoid getting constipated or straining.
If you find there is bleeding, lie down with your bottom raised and it should stop. However, if persistent bleeding continues then notify your doctor. If you find you are suffering form a burning or irritating sensation, then don’t consume any coffee, alcohol or spices as these may aggravate the area. The use of Anusol or Rectinol suppositories may also help.
You can take a mild pain reliever if pain is a problem but be wary of using one that contains codeine as this can cause constipation. Take frequent warm baths to soothe the area and apply ice packs to the area to help the hemorrhoids shrink.
With suitable care and home treatment and a change in your diet and lifestyle, you should have a successful outcome to your rubber band ligation surgery but keep up the new habits for the rest of your life to ensure no more hemorrhoids occur in the future.
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