Medical Condition Library

Information Centers

Wellness Centers

Helpful Resources

Hemorrhoid Banding

(Hemorrhoid Ligation; Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

Hemorrhoid banding is a procedure to remove hemorrhoids. These are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum.

Reasons for Procedure

Banding is done to treat hemorrhoids that are:

Bleeding a lot
Causing severe pain
Contain a blood clot
Protrude through the anus

Grade 2 Hemorrhoid

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Hemorrhoids return

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia may be used. The area will be numbed.

Description of the Procedure

An anoscope will be inserted through the anus. The doctor will look through the tube to see inside the rectum and locate the hemorrhoid. A special banding tool will be used. The tool will place a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. More than one hemorrhoid may be banded.

How Long Will It Take?

This is a short procedure. How long it takes will depend on how many hemorrhoids need to be treated.

Will It Hurt?

Some people may have pain and swelling for a few days. Medicine care help

Post-procedure Care

At Home

It is normal to have some problems controlling gas and bowel movements for a few days. It will take 1 to 2 weeks for the band and the hemorrhoid to fall off. Physical activity will be limited during this time.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Been passing large amounts of blood
Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Problems passing stool or urine
An aching feeling between the rectum and the genitals

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
https://www.fascrs.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Davis BR, Lee-Kong SA, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 Mar;61(3):284-292.

Hemorrhoids. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/hemorrhoids. Accessed January 8, 2021.

Hemorrhoids. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hemorrhoids. Accessed January 8, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 01/08/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.