Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove them. All you need to do is seek the services of a professional. At Arizona Colorectal Experts, we have advanced expertise in removing hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid banding.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are bulging or swollen blood vessels found on the anus or in the rectum. Hemorrhoids are divided into two types:
1. Internal hemorrhoids, which are in the rectum. They often do not lead to much pain, though, in some instances, they can bleed.
2. External hemorrhoids that are found beneath the tissue, which surrounds the anus. They tend to be very painful and can cause moderate to severe discomfort. If a blood clot occurs in an external hemorrhoid, it becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid. A thrombosed hemorrhoid is extremely painful.
Signs That You Have Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are often caused by pressure or strain in the pelvic area. These are some of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids:
- Pain or itching in the anus
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Discomfort while sitting
Good Candidates for Hemorrhoid Banding
Good candidates for hemorrhoid banding are individuals with bleeding internal hemorrhoids, or those whose hemorrhoids are making them uncomfortable. Furthermore, you should consider hemorrhoid banding if you have been unable to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids with other methods like changes in lifestyle or nonprescription medication. We do not recommend hemorrhoid banding for adults who are allergic to latex or have rectal cancer, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory bowel disease.
How Hemorrhoid Banding is Performed
Hemorrhoid banding is also referred to as rubber band ligation. It is a minimally invasive treatment method in which we position a tiny elastic band around the hemorrhoid’s base. This small band cuts off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to detatch.
The procedure is carried out by a colorectal specialist who inserts a scope into the patient’s anus. The specialist then uses a special device to grasp the hemorrhoid. After that, they wrap a small band around the hemorrhoid’s base. Unless you are under general anesthesia, the gastrointestinal specialist will remove one hemorrhoid at a time.
Hemorrhoid removal is fairly pain-free, even when no anesthesia is used. Additionally, the side effects of hemorrhoid banding are minimal, with the most common symptom being a sense of fullness in the rectum.
Effectiveness of Hemorrhoid Banding
Compared to other hemorrhoid treatment options, hemorrhoid banding is more successful. That is to say, hemorrhoids that are treated through hemorrhoid banding are less likely to grow back. In fact, around eight out of every 10 people that have their hemorrhoids removed through rubber band ligation do not require further treatment. What’s even better, hemorrhoid banding is substantially less intensive compared to a surgical approach, and it takes roughly 10 minutes to perform.
Schedule a Consultation
At Arizona Colorectal Experts, we have experienced physicians who not only use innovative technology but also rely on robotic surgery techniques to provide second-to-none treatment solutions. Set up a consultation with us today to learn more about hemorrhoid banding and other treatments we offer.