About half of all people experience hemorrhoids by time they reach the age of 50. These swollen blood vessels can cause itching, pain, swelling, and even bleeding. If you're dealing with hemorrhoids, there’s a solution that provides quick relief without the need for invasive surgery. At GastroDoxs, our gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, offers painless banding, a minimally invasive procedure that offers fast, effective treatment with minimal discomfort.
Hemorrhoids are swollen anal cushions (blood vessels) in the rectum or anus, often caused by straining during bowel movements, sitting for extended periods, or increased pressure in the area, which can happen during pregnancy.
Some hemorrhoids may resolve on their own with changes in bowel habits, increased fiber intake, and better hydration. Other hemorrhoids don’t resolve so easily and may require medical intervention if they become too painful or persistent.
Painless hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a nonsurgical procedure we use to treat internal hemorrhoids. During the procedure, Dr. Pothuri places a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply.
This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually fall off within a few days, leaving you with minimal discomfort and no need for downtime.
Unlike traditional surgical methods, hemorrhoid banding is a quick and virtually painless procedure. It requires no incisions or stitches. Because the band is placed inside the rectum where there are fewer nerve endings, most patients report little to no pain during or after the treatment. Many people return to their normal activities the same day.
Hemorrhoid banding requires no surgery or general anesthesia, reducing risks and recovery time. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and can be done in our office.
Banding offers long-lasting relief for internal hemorrhoids, and you can expect a significant reduction in symptoms after just one treatment.
Your procedure starts with an examination of your hemorrhoids to determine if banding is the right treatment.
If so, Dr. Pothuri places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This is done using a special instrument, and the entire process is quick, often lasting only a few minutes.
Afterward, you might feel a slight sensation of pressure, but significant pain is rare. Over the next few days, the hemorrhoid will dry up and fall off naturally, usually during a bowel movement. If you do have any discomfort after the procedure, it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
After banding, we recommend you maintain healthy bowel habits to prevent future hemorrhoids. Drinking plenty of water, eating a high-fiber diet, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can all help.
While hemorrhoid banding is effective, some patients may need additional treatments if they have multiple hemorrhoids. We always follow up after banding to monitor ongoing hemorrhoid symptoms and to help prevent recurrence.
Don’t let hemorrhoids interfere with your life. If you live in the Greater Houston area of Texas, reach out to our team at GastroDoxs to make an appointment. By scheduling a consultation with us, you’re taking the first step toward hemorrhoid relief.
