What to Expect During Rubber Band Ligation

At Northwest Center for Colorectal Health in Portland, OR, Dr. Scott Browning, Dr. Jeffrey Manchio, and Dr. Richard Kalu offer rubber band ligation as a quick and effective treatment for internal hemorrhoids. This method is often recommended for patients who haven’t found relief with home treatments. With care and clarity, the doctors at this practice guide patients through the process, helping them feel comfortable from start to finish.

What Rubber Band Ligation Does

Internal hemorrhoids happen when swollen veins form inside the rectum. They can cause discomfort, itching, or bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Rubber band ligation treats them by placing a tiny band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This band cuts off blood flow, and in a few days, the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off on its own. It’s a bit like tying off a balloon until it deflates and disappears.

What the Procedure Feels Like

The procedure is usually done in the office and only takes a few minutes. You’ll lie on your side while a small scope is gently placed into the rectum. Most people feel some pressure, but very little pain, since internal hemorrhoids don’t have many nerve endings. After the band is placed, you may feel a sensation of fullness or the urge to have a bowel movement, but this usually fades within a few hours.

What to Expect Afterward

After rubber band ligation, you can return to your normal routine the same day, though you may want to take it easy for the first 24 hours. Mild cramping or a dull ache is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important to avoid straining during bowel movements while you heal. Drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and taking stool softeners if needed will help. In a few days, the banded tissue falls off and passes during a bowel movement, most people don’t even notice when it happens.

A Safe Step Toward Relief

Rubber band ligation is a well-tolerated treatment that offers lasting relief for many people with internal hemorrhoids. At Northwest Center for Colorectal Health in Portland, OR, Dr. Scott Browning, Dr. Jeffrey Manchio, and Dr. Richard Kalu provide experienced, compassionate care every step of the way. To learn more or schedule a visit, call (971) 254-9884.