Hemorrhoid Banding Specialist

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as CHR-O’Regan Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment, is a minimally invasive procedure where Dr. Baker carefully ties off the base of one or several hemorrhoids using a rubber band.

This stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink, die, and ultimately fall off. If you have hemorrhoids that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or your hemorrhoids are itchy or painful, hemorrhoid banding may provide relief.

How do I prepare for hemorrhoid banding?

Prior to hemorrhoid banding, Dr. Baker conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. During this appointment, let Dr. Baker know about any over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or nutritional supplements that you take.

If you need general anesthesia, Dr. Baker may ask you to fast for several hours before your procedure. You should also have a friend or family member stay with you for a day or two following hemorrhoid banding. They can assist you with daily tasks and help you avoid straining, which can lead to complications.

What happens during hemorrhoid banding?

Dr. Baker performs hemorrhoid banding as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home on the same day as your appointment. 

Before the procedure, Dr. Baker administers a local anesthetic to your rectum. If you have lots of hemorrhoids or they’re very painful, you might benefit from general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. 

Once the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Baker carefully inserts a tool called an anoscope into your rectum. An anoscope is a small tube with a light on the end. Once the anoscope makes contact with a hemorrhoid, Dr. Baker inserts a ligator through the tube.

The ligator allows Dr. Baker to wrap one or two rubber bands around a hemorrhoid. He repeats this process several times, wrapping each hemorrhoid. The whole process usually takes five minutes or less. 

What is the recovery process like after hemorrhoid banding?

Following hemorrhoid banding, your hemorrhoids dry up and fall off on their own. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks. 

In the first few days after your procedure, it’s normal to experience:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Constipation

Make sure to follow Dr. Baker’s recovery instructions carefully. You might also need to take a laxative or stool softener to prevent complications. You should feel back to normal within a few days. 

To learn more about the benefits of hemorrhoid banding, schedule an appointment at Gastroenterology Specialists of Orlando. Call the office or book a consultation online today.