Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated 05-20-2026
Hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive office-based procedure used to treat certain internal hemorrhoids by placing a small band around the hemorrhoid tissue.
Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is a procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. A small band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to reduce its blood supply.
Over time, the treated hemorrhoid tissue shrinks and separates. The goal is to reduce symptoms such as bleeding, irritation, pressure, or prolapse from internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid banding may be recommended when internal hemorrhoids continue to cause symptoms despite diet changes, fiber, hydration, stool-softening strategies, or other conservative care.
Common Treatment Targets |
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| Internal Hemorrhoids | Banding is mainly used for internal hemorrhoids, especially those causing bleeding or prolapse. |
| Bleeding | When bleeding is caused by internal hemorrhoids, banding may help reduce recurring episodes after proper evaluation. |
| Prolapse | Banding may help internal hemorrhoid tissue that bulges during bowel movements, depending on severity. |
You may need hemorrhoid banding if symptoms are persistent, recurring, or not improving with conservative care.
No. Rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be hemorrhoids. Other conditions can also cause bleeding, including fissures, inflammation, polyps, or colon cancer.
A proper evaluation helps confirm whether hemorrhoid banding is appropriate or whether another test, such as colonoscopy, may be needed.
Talk to a GI specialist if you have ongoing rectal bleeding, repeated hemorrhoid symptoms, prolapse, pain, bowel habit changes, or symptoms that do not improve with conservative care.
Learn when hemorrhoid symptoms may need medical evaluation.
See how banding may help internal hemorrhoids.
Schedule evaluation if symptoms are recurring or persistent.
Areas Examined & Treated |
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| Area |
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The Procedure |
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| Hemorrhoid Band Ligation |
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Before Your Procedure |
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| Scheduling | Schedule your appointment with GastroDoxs by phone at 832-632-4070 or through the online appointment request. |
| Medications | Tell the care team if you take blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines, supplements, or medications that affect bleeding risk. |
| Symptoms | Tell your provider about bleeding, pain, bowel changes, constipation, diarrhea, or prior colonoscopy results. |
| Aftercare Planning | Ask your care team about activity limits, bowel movement comfort, fiber, hydration, and when to call for concerning symptoms. |
Hemorrhoid banding is used to treat certain internal hemorrhoids, especially when they cause bleeding, prolapse, pressure, or recurring symptoms.
Hemorrhoid banding is mainly used for internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids usually require a different evaluation and treatment approach.
No. Rectal bleeding can come from several causes. A GI specialist may recommend evaluation to confirm the source before treatment.
Sometimes. If there are multiple internal hemorrhoids or symptoms return, more than one banding session may be recommended.
Call your doctor if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, trouble urinating, or symptoms that feel worse than expected after the procedure.
If hemorrhoid symptoms are ongoing or bleeding keeps returning, GastroDoxs can help evaluate the cause and discuss whether banding is appropriate.