Banding of Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids or piles are masses or lumps formed due to swollen blood vessels in the rectum. Conservative treatment, such as warm baths, high-fibre diet, stool softeners, fluid intake, topical analgesics and steroid cream, can help treat mild forms of haemorrhoids. In severe stages, they may become infected or protrude from the anus (prolapsed haemorrhoid) and require removal. There are many surgical and non-surgical methods to remove haemorrhoids. One of the non-surgical treatments of haemorrhoids include banding or rubber band ligation
In this technique, an elastic band is tied around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off blood supply. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under topical anaesthesia. Your doctor inserts an anoscope, a viewing instrument, into your anus and passes a small tool called a ligator through it. The haemorrhoid is grasped with forceps and the ligator is passed over the haemorrhoid to place a rubber band. Without blood supply, the tissue dies and sloughs off in 1 or 2 weeks.
As with any procedure, rubber band ligation may involve certain risks and complications which include severe pain, anal bleeding, infection in the anal canal and trouble urinating.