Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids

What To Expect

After the procedure, you may feel pain and have a feeling of fullness in your lower belly. Or you may feel as if you need to have a bowel movement. These things usually go away after several days. You may need pain medicine during this time.

Mild bleeding from the anus may occur 7 to 10 days after treatment, when the hemorrhoid falls off. The bleeding will stop by itself.

Some people are able to return to regular activities right away. Others may need to take a few days off work.

You will need to avoid heavy lifting and avoid straining with bowel movements while you recover.

Why It Is Done

Rubber band ligation is the most widely used treatment for internal hemorrhoids. If you still have symptoms after three or four treatments, surgery may be considered.

Rubber band ligation may not be used if there is not enough tissue to pull into the banding device to put a rubber band in place.

How Well It Works

Rubber band ligation works well for most people. People who have this treatment are less likely to need another treatment compared to people who have infrared photocoagulation treatments. Very few people may need surgery.

Risks

Side effects are rare but include:

• Severe pain that does not respond to the methods of pain relief used after this procedure. The bands may be too close to the area in the anal canal that contains pain sensors.
• Bleeding from the anus.
• Inability to pass urine (urinary retention).
• Infection in the anal area.