Rubber band ligation ties a haemorrhoid off at its base with a small rubber band, cutting off its blood supply so it shrinks and falls away.
An anoscope is inserted so the haemorrhoid can be seen clearly. Each haemorrhoid is grasped and a band placed near its base. Over the following days the haemorrhoid shrinks and drops off, leaving a small scar that holds the nearby veins in place so they are less likely to bulge into the anal canal again.
You may feel pressure and mild pain for a while afterwards, and sometimes a sensation like needing to open your bowels. Tell the surgeon if it is more than mild. Where a patient has a general anaesthetic, Professor El-Khoury can treat several haemorrhoids in one session.
What to expect afterwards
People respond differently. Most return to normal activities within three to four days, though heavy lifting should be avoided for two to three weeks. Discomfort can persist for at least 48 hours. Sitting in a shallow bath of warm water for twenty minutes helps, as does simple pain relief.
Slight bleeding six to eight days afterwards is expected, as that is when the haemorrhoid separates. It stops on its own. You may be advised to take a stool softener and drink more fluid to keep bowel motions comfortable.
When it is used
Banding is widely used for internal haemorrhoids. If symptoms persist after four or five treatments, surgery may be considered instead. It cannot be used if there is not enough tissue to draw into the band.
Professor El-Khoury will talk through the operation with you in the rooms, covering why it is being recommended, what it involves, the risks and the benefits. He also provides Royal Australasian College of Surgeons information sheets on the procedure so you can read them at home and bring questions back.
This page is general information, not medical advice. What applies to you depends on your history, your examination and your results. Bring your questions to the consultation.