Hemorrhoid Banding

Patients may typically have 3 sets of hemorrhoids at as many as three sites. Our recommended treatment protocol calls for banding only one hemorrhoid per visit, as multiple bandings have been shown to significantly increase the rate of complications and pain. Subsequent appointments are scheduled at two week intervals with a final check-up and optional colorectal cancer screening a few weeks later.

Band placement takes only 30 seconds to 1 minute with our device. Patients typically do not require any sort of prep, and the procedure is done without sedation with the patient in the left side. The rubber band strangulates the hemorrhoid tissue, causing it to necrose and fall off within a couple of days. Extremely large hemorrhoids may require multiple bandings.

While the procedure is painless, some patients may experience a dull ache or a feeling of fullness in the rectum during the first 24 hours. This can typically be relived with a non-aspirin OTC pain medication. Generally, patients do not notice when the hemorrhoid falls off nor are they able to spot the rubber band in the toilet.

Band Placement Using the Disposable Ligator

1. Rubber band is loaded onto ligator using loading cone.
2. Ligator is advanced to hemorrhoidal tissue at desired angle and proper seal is obtained.
3. Thumb is placed on “flange” and plunger withdrawn to create full suction.
4. Plunger stops when locking mechanism is engaged.
5. If desired, ligator is oscillated 180 degrees to increase bite size.
6. Band pusher is advanced to discharge band.
7. Ligator is discarded (single use).