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| Rubber Band Treatment of Hemorrhoids |
This method involves the application of small rubber bands of hemorrhoids. The bands being elastic, tighten down and destroy the hemorrhoids trapped inside the band, just as if they were cut out with a scalpel.
Only internal hemorrhoids are treated this way. These hemorrhoids do not have "pain" fibers. For this reason, we do not have to use any anesthetic. You will feel and hear a snap or thump as the bands are applied. About 25% of patients experience mild, dull anal discomfort lasting for 2-3 days following the procedure. You may feel a dull ache, not severe pain, for a few hours. Many like to describe the feeling of discomfort thus: "I feel as if I want to have a bowel movement" or "there seems to be stool in my rectum near the opening". This feeling will occur as soon as the rubber bands are applied. Sitting in a hot tub will usually relieve this sensation.
In 24-48 hours, the hemorrhoid caught in the rubber band will be completely destroyed. The destroyed hemorrhoid will drop off in approximately 7-14 days. You will usually not notice this, although some patients may notice spotting at that time. By avoiding constipation, straining or loose stools, you should experience no trouble with marked bleeding.
AFTER TREATMENT
Activity
- You may go ahead with your usual activity.
- You may drive your car immediately after the treatment.
- AVOID heavy lifting, if possible.
Diet
- No special diet is required; however, you should eat more raw vegetables, fresh fruit and bran cereal.
- Drink a MINIMUM of 10 glasses of fluid daily.
Medications
- Take your medication as prescribed; however, NO aspirin products for 14 days.
- TYLENOL (not aspirin) if needed, may be taken for pain.
- Take warm sitz baths 3-4 times daily, especially after each bowel movement, 15 minutes at a time. The water temperature should be as hot as you can tolerate. Check the water temperature with your elbow. You will find the sitz bath soothing and relaxing.
Bowel Movements
- DO NOT STRAIN to have a bowel movement.
- DO NOT SIT on the toilet for more than 5 minutes.
- NEVER read while sitting on the toilet! Take the library OUT of the bathroom
Problems
- Some spotting or bleeding is to be expected even up to 14 days after the procedure.
- Report to the ER immediately if there is profuse bleeding.
- About 2% of the patients treated with Rubber Band Ligation develop thrombosis of an external hemorrhoid which may require excision.
- Hemorrhoids may reoccur. The best preventive measures are proper diet and toilet habits.
REMEMBER: RECTAL BLEEDING, WHICH MAY APPEAR IN THE FUTURE, SHOULD NOT BE DISREGARDED. OTHER CAUSES OF BLEEDING SUCH AS FISSURES, POLYPS OR CANCER CAN APPEAR AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
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