Hemorrhoid Banding in Clinic
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in your rectum. Banding can correct minor internal hemorrhoids. Asmall, lighted scope is placed into your anus to fully see the anus and lower rectum. With small tools, a latex band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply to the tissue. The hemorrhoid and the band fall off in 3 – 10 days.
Bowel Prep
If ordered by your doctor, you may be given an enema just before the procedure.
After the Banding
Activity
- Nothing strenuous for 24-48 hours after the banding.
- Do not lift more than 20 pounds for 24-48 hours.
Pain
Use Tylenol® as directed for pain relief. Ask your doctor when it is safe to take aspirin or ibuprofen. You may have rectal pressure and painful rectal spasms. This can last until the bands fall off. To help relieve these pains, sit in a bathtub of warm water 2 – 4 times a day and after each bowel movement.
Bleeding
You may have some bleeding with bowel movements until the bands fall off and for a few days after with each bowel movement.
Prevent Constipation
- Follow the urge to have a bowel movement, do not delay or 'hold it'.
- Be sure to drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses of fluid (water, juice, tea) per day.
- Eat plenty of foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals.
- Take a stool softener (docusate sodium, Colace®) a couple of times a day or a bulk fiber laxative (Metamucil®). Follow package directions.
When to Call the Doctor
- Pain not releived by Tylenol®
- Heavy bleeding after the bands and tissue fall off.
- Excess bleeding that does not stop after you apply pressure to rectal area for 10 minutes.
- Temperature (by mouth) greater than 100.4°F.
- Problems passing urine.
Phone Number
Digestive Health Center: (608) 890-5000.
After hours, weekends or holidays this number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the doctor on call or ask for Dr. Harms, Heise, Kennedy, or Foley. Leave your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call (855) 342-9900.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 04/22/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6913
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