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Internal hemorrhoids are a real drag and may cause significant discomfort, but surgery is out of the question, right? Read on to learn how minimally invasive, painless banding is the answer to your internal hemorrhoid problem.
Hemorrhoids are a painful problem that occurs inside and outside of the anus. They are inflamed veins that bleed and cause pain, especially after a bowel movement, but is surgery the only option?
If you’re living with internal hemorrhoids and conservative measures aren’t working, the Texas Digestive Disease Consultants team offers painless banding as a minimally invasive option for treatment.
Dr. Ilyas Memon is an experienced gastroenterologist providing treatments for hemorrhoids, constipation, and rectal bleeding.
What are internal hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are a painful issue that happens when the veins inside the rectum swell. The inflamed veins are near the anus and often lead to pain and bleeding.
People get internal hemorrhoids for many reasons, including pregnancy and chronic constipation. Heavy lifting and intense straining to have a bowel movement can also cause internal hemorrhoids.
The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include itching, irritation, and bright red bleeding after a bowel movement. You may also notice discomfort when having a bowel movement.
Understanding painless banding
Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive option for people with internal hemorrhoids. The bands cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, effectively allowing them to die and fall off.
During the procedure, we put a scope into the anus to identify the hemorrhoids. We then use a device that places small bands at the base of each hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply.
It usually takes about a week for the internal hemorrhoids to fall off. There may be some discomfort for a few weeks afterward. Bleeding or spotting can last for a few days after the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
During the procedure, you are awake and lying on your left side with your knees up to your chest. When you’re ready, we insert the anoscope into the rectum to identify the internal hemorrhoids.
After we identify the hemorrhoids, we use a special tool to place a tiny rubber band around the base. We continue this step with all the internal hemorrhoids that are causing symptoms.
When we treat all of the internal hemorrhoids, we give you some time to rest before you go home. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days. Still, you should be able to resume normal activities within a week.
Benefits of painless hemorrhoid banding
Painless hemorrhoid banding is a very successful treatment that doesn’t require invasive measures. We can do it in the office without the need for anesthesia, stitches, or incisions.
Painless banding is a quick procedure, and you can go home to recuperate and rest. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the number of hemorrhoids treated.
A significant benefit of the banding procedure is that it’s highly effective, with most patients getting substantial relief from symptoms within a few days to a week. There is a low risk for complications as well.
To learn more about painless banding for hemorrhoids, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation on our website.