Hemorrhoid
Banding

Preparation Instructions

Hemorrhoid Banding is a non-surgical treatment option for Internal hemorrhoids. The procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid with a small rubber band.

What is a hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoid is a swollen blood vessel in the lower part of the rectum and anus. They can become irritated with childbirth, constipation, not enough fiber or sitting on the toilet too long.

Hemorrhoid Banding is done in 2-3 office visits because there are 3 separate columns in which a hemorrhoid can occur, and only 1 column can be treated at a time. Banding will only treat internal hemorrhoids and is effective for approximately 4-5 years. There is usually little to no pain with the entire procedure, even after the band is placed on the hemorrhoid. Within 2-4 days of banding, the hemorrhoid will shrink and fall off with the band. In the next 2 weeks, you may see small amounts of blood when wiping, this is normal.

1st Visit:

The 1st visit is an evaluation by a provider to determine if it is a treatable internal hemorrhoid or another cause of pain and/or bleeding. If you’re not sure if you have an internal or external hemorrhoid, or a hemorrhoid at all, a scheduled consultation is recommended. During the procedure, you are instructed to lay on your left side and the provider will use an anoscope to look at the area. If an internal hemorrhoid is found, and you are an appropriate candidate, the provider will go ahead with the banding procedure. You will be asked to stay at the clinic for approximately 10 minutes after the procedure to make sure you are not having any pain.

2nd and 3rd visit:

The 2nd and 3rd visits are done 2-3 weeks apart and usually take less than 15 minutes. If your provider feels another checkup is necessary, a 4th visit may be needed. 80% of patients will feel better after the 1st treatment; however, the hemorrhoid does have a good chance of coming back, so please keep the 2nd visit.

*If you are on any blood thinner besides Aspirin, our office cannot perform a banding procedure.
In this situation, you will need to consult a colorectal surgeon.

FAQs:

• There is no prep for the banding procedure.
• There is no pain with the banding procedure, thus no need for local anesthetics or sedation.
• Only 1 hemorrhoid column (area) can be banded at a time.
• It is covered by most insurances.
• There is a latex and non-latex band option for those patients with allergies to latex. Please be sure to inform the office staff if you have a latex allergy.
• Most patients do require more than 1 banding treatment to fully treat their internal hemorrhoids.

Procedure Cancellation Notice Requirements:

• Procedure cancellations must be made three (3) business days prior to your appointment.
• Failure to provide the required advance notice will result in a $50 Total Cancellation Fee.

Download Prep Instructions

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