Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid Banding: What You Should Know

Hemorrhoids, often referred to as piles, can be a frustrating and painful condition for many people. While they are a common medical issue, particularly among people over 50, their symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life. The hemorrhoid banding procedure offers effective and minimally invasive solutions to alleviate discomfort and remove internal hemorrhoids. At Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, located in the Denver Metro area, we specialize in providing efficient and compassionate hemorrhoid banding treatments.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They can occur for various reasons, often resulting from increased pressure in the lower rectal region. There are two primary types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually painless. These can, however, cause bleeding during bowel movements.
• External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and can be more painful, often causing itching, swelling, or irritation.

Understanding what triggers hemorrhoids is the first step to effectively addressing and managing this condition.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Several factors contribute to the development of hemorrhoids, a common condition that affects many people. Understanding these causes can help individuals take steps to prevent them. Some common causes include:

• Chronic Straining During Bowel Movements: This is often linked to constipation or diarrhea, which puts excessive pressure on the veins in the rectal area. Straining can weaken the surrounding tissues, making hemorrhoids more likely to develop.
• Prolonged Sitting: Spending extended periods sitting, especially on the toilet, increases pressure on the rectal veins. This is because sitting in this position can restrict blood flow, causing veins to swell and become irritated.
• Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids are prevalent during pregnancy due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the veins in the lower abdomen. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also weaken vein walls, further increasing the risk.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal and anal area, which can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Combining this with a sedentary lifestyle can make the condition even more likely.
• Low-fiber Diets: A diet lacking sufficient fiber can lead to constipation, which increases the need to strain during bowel movements. High-fiber diets help soften stools and make them easier to pass, reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.

By recognizing these causes and making adjustments such as eating a fiber-rich diet, staying active, and avoiding prolonged sitting, individuals can take meaningful preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing hemorrhoids and maintain better overall health.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary based on whether they are internal or external, but understanding these symptoms is key to identifying and managing the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Painless rectal bleeding, which is often one of the first signs. This is usually noticed as bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or coating the stool. While it may appear alarming, painless bleeding often suggests internal hemorrhoids.
• Itching or irritation around the anus, which can occur due to leakage of mucus or stool from the affected area, leading to discomfort and the urge to scratch.
• Pain or discomfort, particularly during bowel movements. This is more common with external hemorrhoids or when a blood clot forms, causing thrombosed hemorrhoids.
• Swelling around the anus, which can make the area feel tender, sensitive, or inflamed.
• A lump or swelling near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful to the touch. This is often associated with external hemorrhoids and can sometimes feel like a small, hard bump.

In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or move outside of the anal opening, causing additional discomfort or the need to push them back in manually.

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

Diagnosing hemorrhoids typically involves a thorough physical examination and a detailed review of your symptoms to ensure an accurate assessment. At RMG, we may perform the following steps:

1. Medical History: Your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swelling, or irritation. They may also ask about your dietary habits, bowel movements, and family history of similar conditions to better understand potential contributing factors.
2. Physical Examination: An external examination is often conducted first to identify any visible external hemorrhoids, lumps, or swelling around the anus. This step provides an initial understanding of the condition’s severity.
3. Anoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: Medical instruments like an anoscope or sigmoidoscope may be used for a more in-depth evaluation. These tools allow the doctor to inspect the rectal canal and identify internal hemorrhoids that are not visible externally. This step helps confirm the diagnosis and assess the hemorrhoids’ size, location, and potential complications.

Treating Hemorrhoids

While mild hemorrhoids can often resolve with lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter treatments like creams or suppositories, more persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention. The hemorrhoid banding procedure is one of the most effective and minimally invasive methods to treat internal hemorrhoids. This procedure involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off. It’s a quick outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort and recovery time, making it a popular choice for those dealing with more advanced hemorrhoid symptoms.

What Is Hemorrhoid Banding?

Hemorrhoid banding, referred to as the CHR-O’Regan Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment, is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure specifically designed to safely and effectively remove internal hemorrhoids. This modern approach targets the root cause of hemorrhoid symptoms, offering patients long-lasting relief without the need for surgery or a lengthy recovery period. It’s considered one of the most advanced and patient-friendly treatments available for internal hemorrhoids.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The hemorrhoid banding procedure is performed in a few simple steps:

1. A small, specialized rubber band is carefully placed at the base of the internal hemorrhoid using a precise applicator.
2. The band works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink over time.
3. Without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid naturally shrivels and detaches from the rectal wall, typically within a week.
4. The banded hemorrhoid is then passed naturally and painlessly during a regular bowel movement without the patient usually noticing.

The procedure is quick, often taking less than 10 minutes, and can be done in a doctor’s office. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the treatment. Post-procedure, little to no downtime is required, and many individuals can resume their normal daily activities the same day. The technique has a high success rate, and most patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms such as bleeding, itching, and discomfort.

Why Choose Hemorrhoid Banding?

The hemorrhoid banding procedure is an increasingly popular choice for addressing internal hemorrhoids due to its numerous advantages:

• Non-surgical approach minimizes the risk of complications.
• No need for general anesthesia, making it safer for more patients.
• Quick recovery time allows for a return to daily activities within hours.
• The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient or office setting.
• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Patients seeking effective and long-lasting relief from hemorrhoids often find that hemorrhoid banding provides the results they need without the risks of invasive surgery.

Post-Procedure Care

After undergoing hemorrhoid banding, following your healthcare provider’s instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Here are some practical tips:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
• Avoid sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces.

Most patients experience mild discomfort, which typically resolves within a few days. If pain persists or other complications arise, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to hemorrhoids. Incorporate these steps into your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing or worsening hemorrhoids:

• Adopt a high-fiber diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass.
• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 6–8 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements. Take your time and avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods.
• Engage in regular exercise to promote healthy digestion and reduce pressure on rectal veins.
• Manage your weight to alleviate unnecessary pressure on the lower body.

Take the First Step Toward Comfort

Living with hemorrhoids can be challenging, but you don’t have to endure the discomfort. With advanced treatments like hemorrhoid banding, relief is closer than you think. If you’re ready to remove internal hemorrhoids and regain control of your daily life, contact Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates today. Our specialists are here to provide compassionate care and customized solutions to meet your needs.

To learn more about the hemorrhoid banding procedure, click here (for the Spanish version, click here).