Having hemorrhoids can be embarrassing. They can be painful and uncomfortable as well. People of all ages, background and ethnicity are affected by this condition. They have resorted to ways of treating them or at least alleviating any symptoms associated with the condition. These include creams and surgery.

One specific way to deal with them is through rubber band ligation. In this method, a rubber band is tied to the bottom of a hemorrhoid. This cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid. Eventually, it dies and falls off. Since the procedure involves getting a wound, a scar replaces the site of the hemorrhoid.

The use of rubber band ligation in treating hemorrhoids should be done in a clinic with a doctor administering the procedure. If pain is experienced while placing the rubber band on the hemorrhoid, the doctor can inject an anesthetic to numb the area. When the procedure is done, the patient may feel like moving his/her bowels. Others may feel fullness in their stomach.

A doctor may recommend a couple of days rest or let patients go on with their regular activities. Those who are advised to go on with their activities are, however, reminded not to lift weights or heavy objects. Doing so may encourage recurrence of the hemorrhoid or bleeding.

Patients who go through the procedure are also advised to take lots of fluids and fiber to make sure that there will be smooth bowel movements. Relieving the discomfort and pain associated with the procedure may be done with a sitz bath. Patients are instructed to sit on a tub of warm water.

Pain may subside by taking pain relievers or acetaminophen. As a precaution against bleeding, patients are advised not to take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Such drugs should not be taken five days prior and after the procedure. Slight bleeding happens seven to 10 days after the procedure when the dead hemorrhoid falls off.

Just like tooth extraction, removing hemorrhoids are usually done singly, or at most two hemorrhoids at one time. An interval of four to six weeks is allotted for another procedure to be undertaken. Those who insist on having several hemorrhoids removed all at once are subjected to general anesthesia.

Rubber band ligation is recommended for internal hemorrhoids but not for fourth-degree ones. If this method in treating hemorrhoids doesn’t seem to work, surgery can be opted.

Rubber band ligation works for most people. However, those with coagulation problems may need subsequent treatments. The procedure is not without side effects, although they are rare.

Infection in the anus may occur after it or there could be an inability to pass urine. There could also be bleeding in the anus as well as pain even with pain relievers. It is up to the patient to suffer the momentary pain and discomfort or choose other ways of treatment.

Filed under: Hemorrhoids Treatments

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