Rubber Band Ligation - Everything You Need to Know about Hemorrhoid Banding

Rubber Band Ligation is also known as Hemorrhoid Banding. This is a medical procedure where your doctor ties a rubber band tightly around your hemorrhoid.

In this post we will discuss exactly what Rubber Band Ligation is and why you should or should not use this medical procedure for your hemorrhoids. Plus, we will talk about both internal and external hemorrhoid banding.

This cuts off the blood supply and makes the hemorrhoid fall off and die (1).

Usually, you will need a second rubber band applied about a week after the first. This will ensure the hemorrhoid falls off.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments experienced by adults over the age of 50.  

Hemorrhoids are known to affect both men and women in this later stage of adulthood.

Pregnant women—of any age—are also at risk for getting hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy are extremely common.

This is because of the sudden weight gain of pregnancy and the added stress and pressure in the lower abdominal region.

While many hemorrhoid treatments are available to assist in hemorrhoid symptoms, like itching, discomfort, pain, and bleeding, sometimes particularly persistent hemorrhoids require a different approach. 

When natural methods fail to keep hemorrhoids from forming, there are always surgical options for hemorrhoid removal. 

Discuss with your doctor to see if a nonsurgical or surgical option is best for you.

There are nonsurgical and surgical procedures available for the treatment of hemorrhoids. 

Our full hemorrhoid surgery guide can help you decide which surgery is right for your specific case of hemorrhoids.

What is Rubber Band Ligation?

One of which is called rubber band ligation, or banding. 

Warning: This medical procedure should ONLY be done by a trained hemorrhoid doctor or medical professional, this should NOT be done by an individual at home. 

The procedure consists of your doctor applying a small rubber band on your hemorrhoid either externally (for external hemorrhoids) or internally inside the rectum (for internal hemorrhoids).

Your doctor will have you lie on your side, have you spread your butt cheeks and then apply the rubber band on your hemorrhoid.

The rubber band is typically just a few millimeters in width, and it slips over the base of your hemorrhoid. 

After the nonsurgical procedure is completed, the rubber band will continue to stop the blood flow to the base of the hemorrhoid. 

Eventually, the area or base of the hemorrhoid that is being cinched will begin to shrink and fall off on its own.

In some cases hemorrhoid pain is felt after the procedure.

How Much Does Rubber Band Ligation Cost?

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as Rubber Band Ligation, can be a very costly procedure.

Most hemorrhoidal banding procedures will cost anywhere from $400 to $1500, depending on your doctor and insurance plan.

Does Banding Hemorrhoids Hurt?

Rubber banding hemorrhoids can be a painful procedure and recovery.  After this procedure, you may feel full or abnormally bloated in your lower abdominal region. 

Your doctor may prescribe you prescription pain medication for any discomfort you may experience post procedure.  

Pain medication can also be over the counter, like Tylenol, Advil, or Ibuprofen.  Simply follow the instructions provided on their labels for usage directions. 

Numbing medications like hemorrhoid creams or ointments that can be purchased over the counter can be applied before and after bowel movements. 

Your doctor will likely also recommend hemorrhoid wipes. If they don't, our hemorrhoid wipe guide can help you pick out a good one.

This will help alleviate any pain. 

Be sure to consult your doctor before you take any of these over the counter hemorrhoid medications. 

Banding Hemorrhoids Side Effects

Some side effects of this banding procedure include bleeding, blood clots, and infections. 

While blood clots and infections are rare, they can occur after the procedure is completed. 

You should see your doctor if you find that you are experiencing any of these side effects post surgical procedure.

Hemorrhoid Bleeding with Banding

Bleeding will often occur in relatively small amounts directly from the anus for about 7 to 10 days following your procedure. 

Hemorrhoid Bleeding is considered normal for this amount of time.

In some rare cases, infections can occur.  It is imperative to inform your doctor upon recognizing signs of an infection. 

A hemorrhoid infection in the rectal region can be dangerous and in some rare instances, fatal.

Banding Hemorrhoids Recovery Time

The recovery time for this rubber banding ligation is about 2 to 3 days in order to return to normal activities. 

Following your rubber band procedure, your doctor will usually recommend bed rest for these first few days. 

Recovery time can go more smoothly and quickly if you do not engage in any strenuous activities. 

It is important to continue to rest, even if you think you have fully recovered. 

Here are the side effects associated with Rubber Band Ligation:

1. Bleeding
2. Nausea
3. Infection
4. Swelling
5. Pain

If you have any of these side effects you should let your hemorrhoid doctor know right away.

Avoid any strenuous exercising that can put any additional stress on your lower rectal region like riding bikes, weightlifting of any degree, and even jogging. 

Only resume exercising when your doctor gives you approval. 

Walking is encouraged because this will increase circulation and help with your recovery. 

A fast-paced walk each day for about 15 to 30 minutes will help increase blood flow but not overwhelm and strain the body.

Avoid heavy lifting, as this could prolong your recovery, produce excess bleeding, and cause further, unnecessary harm. 

Heavy lifting can include what you may consider menial, like groceries, small boxes, or heavy bags. 

You should avoid heavy lifting for about 2 to 3 weeks.

Rubber Band Ligation Diet

As with other minimally invasive surgeries, your diet should be soft bland foods, as to not upset the stomach and lower intestine where your procedure was preformed.

Avoid spicy foods, as this will cause inflammation to your hemorrhoids and potentially result in bleeding. 

It is also important to eat foods that are high in fiber; this helps prevent straining during bowel movement. 

Excessive straining and constipation are one of the main causes behind inflamed hemorrhoids. 

Can I Rubber Band Hemorrhoids at Home?

No, only a trained and licensed medical professional should do a rubber band procedure.   

Banding procedures are used on internal hemorrhoids, which are not visible or exposed. 

This procedure requires a doctor to insert a ligator, which will pull and suction away the hemorrhoid in order to place the band on the base. 

While you cannot rubber band hemorrhoids at home, you can make your recovery time from the procedure more comfortable by taking warm baths, soaking your lower and rectal region for about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Sitz baths are also helpful tools that fit over the bowl of a toilet, allowing you to soak just the lower area. 

Rubber banding hemorrhoids is an effective method for solving a persistent hemorrhoid issue. 

It is recommended to those suffering from constant hemorrhoids and when natural or medicinal treatments are not helping with symptoms or in prevention. 

This procedure is proven to be both safe and effective. 

Complications that arise post procedure should be immediately recognized and reported to your doctor

Do Not Try Rubber Banding at Home