Painless Banding: A Guide to Minimally Invasive Relief for Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids can cause intense itching and pain that makes it difficult to do everyday tasks. When you’re looking for lasting relief from hemorrhoid symptoms, it’s time to consider banding.

Sierra Pacific Surgical offers an in-office banding procedure to treat painful or bleeding hemorrhoids.

Our skilled medical team can also use state-of-the-art techniques to surgically remove internal hemorrhoids when less invasive therapies are unsuccessful.

Why you have hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower rectum or anus. These veins can swell when you strain during bowel movements, especially if you have chronic constipation.

Other issues that can increase risk factors for hemorrhoids by putting excess pressure on the veins include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Heavy lifting
• Long periods of sitting

Getting older also weakens tissues of the lower rectum and anus. These changes can make you more susceptible to constipation and straining that result in painful hemorrhoids.

Recognizing signs of hemorrhoids

Enlarged veins in the lower rectum or anus can cause discomfort or pain, especially when you’re seated or using the bathroom. Internal hemorrhoids may also bleed during bowel movements, and you may notice mucus on the paper after wiping.

In some cases, internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and protrude out of the anus. You may feel a bulge or a lump in the area.

Initial treatment for hemorrhoids includes lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber to prevent constipation and increasing water intake. You can use topical creams or witch hazel pads to calm inflammation and itching. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be needed to keep you more comfortable.

When home care no longer works well, our skilled surgeons can discuss your options for a banding procedure.

How banding treats painful hemorrhoids

Banding (rubber band ligation)  is a noninvasive, painless procedure that uses small rubber bands to cut off blood circulation in the enlarged vein.

During the in-office procedure, your provider inserts the small band around the base of the targeted hemorrhoid. Over time, the band cuts blood supply to the vein and the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off.

Many people are able to return to work and do their usual activities within 1-2 days. Side effects are mild and can include a feeling of fullness in the rectum or light bleeding that might last up to a week.

Our team provides educational resources to prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids. In addition to staying hydrating and eating adequate fiber, we may recommend:

Daily exercise

Daily exercise helps support regular bowel movements.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners can prevent constipation but it’s important that you also make  the necessary diet adjustments to prevent hard stools.

Avoid prolonged sitting

Sitting too long on the toilet can significantly increase your risk for painful hemorrhoids. If you’re unable to pass stool within a few minutes of sitting, stand up and try again later.

If you work at a desk or otherwise sit for long periods of time, take small walks when you can and stand when possible.

Need relief from chronic hemorrhoid pain and itching? Schedule an evaluation at Sierra Pacific Surgical today by phone to find out if you’re a candidate for a banding procedure or book a consultation online.