health centersdigestion center

How Long Does It Take for a Banded Hemorrhoid To Fall Off?

Disease and Condition: Hemorrhoids (Piles)

What is a rubber band ligation?

Procedure
The band causes the hemorrhoids to shrink, holding the hemorrhoids in place. The physician removes hemorrhoids in two-four settings, done six-eight weeks apart.

A rubber band ligation is a simple, painless, and highly effective procedure that involves placing a rubber band around hemorrhoids to cut off its blood supply. Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum.

Hemorrhoids are either internal or external, depending on the location. Internal hemorrhoids are covered with a lining called mucosa that is resistant to touch, pain, stretch, or temperature, whereas external hemorrhoids are covered by very sensitive skin.

Internal hemorrhoids may be graded as follows:

  • Grade I (primary): These slide below the toothed or jagged line present above the anal canal (dentate line) while straining but retract when strain is gone. Treatment includes increasing fiber intake.
  • Grade II (secondary): These protrude below the anal opening but reduce spontaneously. Treatments include sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation.
  • Grade III (tertiary): These protrude below the anal opening and need to be reduced manually. Treatments include sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, or surgery.
  • Grade IV (quarternary): These protrude below the anal opening and are not reducible. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy) is indicated.

Who should have a rubber band ligation?

A rubber band ligation is indicated in

  • Patients in whom other therapies have failed.
  • Patients who are intolerant to the risk of anesthesia administered during the surgery.
  • Patients with cirrhosis or uremia (a high blood urea level) as an alternative therapy.

Who should not have a rubber band ligation?

A rubber band ligation is avoided in the following conditions:

How is a rubber band ligation performed?

Before the procedure

  • You may have to stop taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) and Aggrenox (aspirin and dipyridamole), four-five days before the procedure.
  • You may be asked to sign an informed consent form that consists of the risk and benefits, alternatives, expectations, and length of the procedure.
  • You may be given an enema on the previous night of the procedure.
  • You may have to fast from midnight to the procedure.

During the procedure

  • The physician performs a rubber band ligation either in a hospital or an office setting. Anesthesia may not be necessary while performing this procedure in an office setting.
  • The physician inserts a small tool, known as a ligator, through a lighted tube (scope) in the anal canal and grabs hemorrhoids with forceps.
  • The physician pushes the ligator’s cylinder to release the rubber band around the base of hemorrhoid.

After the procedure

Post-procedure pain is likely for 24-48 hours. Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) can ease the pain.

  • Bleeding may be observed for 7-10 days post the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous work for 24-48 hours after the procedure.
  • Do not lift anything heavy for 24-48 hours.
  • Avoid straining while defecating because it can lead to more hemorrhoids.
  • Check out for the following symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Blood in stools
    • Inability to pass urine
    • Pus discharge from the rectum
    • Persistent pain
    • Dizziness and fainting
    • Blood clots

How long does it take for banded hemorrhoids to fall off?

The band causes the hemorrhoids to shrink, holding the hemorrhoids in place. The physician removes hemorrhoids in two-four settings, done six-eight weeks apart. However, some bleeding will be observed when the rubber band falls off.

Can a rubber band ligation be used for external hemorrhoids?

A rubber band ligation mainly treats grades II and III internal hemorrhoids. It is not effective in treating external hemorrhoids or significantly protruding hemorrhoids.

SLIDESHOW

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See Slideshow
References
Reference:

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1829718-overview#a5

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw212526#hw212545

https://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/dhc/6913.pdf

https://www.medscape.com/answers/775407-182267/what-is-the-role-of-rubber-band-ligation-in-the-treatment-of-hemorrhoids

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/what-to-do-about-hemorrhoids

Top Is hemorrhoid banding painful? Related Articles

  • dibucaine topical ointment
    Dibucaine topical ointment is a local anesthetic that is used for temporary relief of pain and itching caused by sunburn, cuts, abrasions, insect bites, skin irritation, hemorrhoids, and other...
  • docusate
    Docusate is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat constipation. Common side effects of docusate include excessive bowel activity, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, intestinal...
  • Hemorrhoid Picture
    A dilated (enlarged) vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated constipation but occasionally associated with chronic diarrhea. See a picture of...
  • How Do You Know if You Have Hemorrhoid Symptoms or Something More Serious?
    Hemorrhoids are a painful inflammation of the skin and tissue surrounding the anus and rectum. Some symptoms of hemorrhoids are similar to symptoms of more serious conditions, like colon cancer....
  • Hemorrhoids
    Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, a low-fiber diet, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Treatment varies depending on the...
  • How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments
    Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, what causes hemorrhoids, how long hemorrhoids last, and hemorrhoids treatment.
  • Hemorrhoids Quiz
    Does everyone have hemorrhoids? Test your knowledge of this and many other facts about Hemorrhoids.
  • Is Hemorrhoid Surgery Painful?
    Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are engorged veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. Hemorrhoids occur as a result of excessive straining, usually during defecation. Hemorrhoids...
  • lidocaine rectal
    Lidocaine rectal is a local anesthetic applied on the anal area to relieve pain, itching, and burning from hemorrhoids. Common side effects of lidocaine rectal include rash, itching, swelling...
  • phenylephrine/pramoxine/glycerin/petrolatum rectal
    Phenylephrine/pramoxine/glycerin/petrolatum rectal is a combination rectal ointment topically applied for temporary relief of pain, soreness and burning from hemorrhoids and to reduce pain and...
  • phenylephrine/witch hazel topical
    Phenylephrine/witch hazel topical is a combination medication available over the counter used for temporary relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. Topical application of the phenylephrine/witch hazel cooling...
  • pramoxine/mineral oil/zinc oxide rectal
    Pramoxine/mineral oil/zinc oxide rectal is an ointment applied topically for the temporary relief of pain, soreness, burning and itching associated with hemorrhoids. Avoid contact with the ointment...
  • psyllium
    Psyllium is a dietary fiber used to relieve occasional constipation and to maintain regularity of bowel movements. Psyllium is used to treat constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids,...
  • senna
    Senna is a stimulant laxative medication available over the counter used to treat occasional constipation and bowel movement irregularity in both adults and children. Senna is also used for cleansing...
  • Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
    Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure for treating hemorrhoids. In a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, a stapling device is inserted into the anus and a circular strip of hemorrhoidal tissue is...
  • What Are the Differences Between Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy and Hemorrhoidectomy?
    A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure for the surgical removal (excision) of hemorrhoids. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy involves stapling the last section of the large bowel, which reduces the supply of blood...
  • What Happens If You Leave a Hemorrhoid Untreated?
    If you have mild hemorrhoids, leaving them alone can be fine. The swelling and discomfort will usually go away within a few days. Occasionally, though, there may be complications related to...
  • witch hazel
    Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a tree native to North America. Indigenous Americans have used witch hazel for various conditions including hemorrhoids, sore muscles, insect bites, cuts,...