Rubber Band: All You Need to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids?

Do you suffer from unpleasant and bleeding internal hemorrhoids? Want to get rid of them?  You have a few options – rubber band ligation (RBL) is one. RBL is an outpatient treatment that ties off and strangulates internal hemorrhoids. A lack of blood supply causes the hemorrhoids to  shrink and fall out during bowel movements.

What are Hemorrhoids?

It is likely that everyone will experience having hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids are very common. Actually, everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue inside and outside their anus. The hemorrhoidal tissue is a pad of blood vessels that cushions the release of stool from your body. However, hemorrhoids form when those blood vessels become swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids have various symptoms, especially during bowel movements. Symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Lumps

RBL can remove hemorrhoids via various ligation techniques, including:

  • Metal devices (A metal-toothed clamp is used to grab the affected hemorrhoidal tissue and pull it from your anal wall.)
  • Endoscopic banding (A scope is put in your rectum and places a band; multiple rubber bands may be applied and added subsequently.)
  • CRH O’Regan System (A disposable ligator suctions and pulls the affected hemorrhoidal tissue; the rubber band is placed around the hemorrhoid)

RBL is a popular choice among patients when it comes to removing hemorrhoids. It tends to be less painful than surgical procedures and requires no or less time for recovery.

RBL Process

For RBL to be successful, there needs to be enough hemorrhoidal tissue that can be pulled into the ligator. Otherwise, the rubber band cannot be placed around the hemorrhoid.

RBL consists of the following steps:

  1. Patient is positioned on proctology table in a kneeling position or on their left side with their knees pulled up (fetal position)
  2. Proctoscope is inserted into anus
  3. Hemorrhoid is grabbed and placed into opening of ligator
  4. Ligator pushes against hemorrhoid to apply rubber band
  5. Ligator is removed from anus

After the RBL procedure is completed, you may experience some bleeding for a couple days or weeks. A warm bath or over-the-counter acetaminophen, stool softeners, and fiber supplements can alleviate discomfort. Also, avoid lifting heavy items and strenuous exercise and activities for a few days. It typically takes banded  tissue a couple of weeks to heal.

Complications and Other Options

There are possible complications with RBL:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Thrombosed hemorrhoids
  • Ulcers

Also, there are other removal procedures besides banding. They include:

  • Sclerotherapy (A chemical is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it)
  • Coagulation Therapy (Infrared light, heat, or cold is used to retract and shrink hemorrhoid)

RBL is often chosen over hemorrhoid removal surgery because it  does not require any preparation, such as fasting or sedation. Compared to a hemorrhoidectomy, sphincterotomy, and other surgical procedures, RBL is less invasive and costly, but just as effective.  Success rates for various hemorrhoid removal treatment are:

  • RBL: between 69-97 percent
  • Hemorrhoidectomy: 95 percent
  • Sphincterotomy: 92-94 percent
  • Sclerotherapy: 60-80 percent
  • Coagulation Therapy: 60-80 percent

No matter which method you choose, there is a chance that the hemorrhoids will come back, which can be very frustrating. Hemorrhoid treatments and surgeries depend on various factors, including your lifestyle and your anatomy, as well as the chance for recurrence. Determine what caused your hemorrhoids to develop in the first place. This will help you  prevent a recurrence. While some factors are out of your control, there are some things you can do to prevent hemorrhoids from showing up again. Try the following:

  • Eat more fiber or consider a fiber supplement
  • Stay hydrated by drinking more water and other liquids
  • Exercising regularly and consistently
  • Try stool softeners to prevent straining and constipation

RBL is safe and effective therapy for all grades of internal hemorrhoids. However, success decreases when four or more rubber bands are placed, but recurrence time is less with subsequent treatments.

Rubber Bands to the Rescue

Using rubber band ligation RBL to treat and remove internal hemorrhoids is just one option. It is often successful, and the option selected by most sufferers. Did you ever imagine a rubber band being so effective when it comes to your health and happiness?

Do you have internal hemorrhoids? Would you consider RBL as your first choice to remove them? If yes, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment.