Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids: Before Your Procedure

What is rubber band ligation?

Rubber band ligation treats internal hemorrhoids.

Your doctor puts a special viewing tool (anoscope) into your anus. The doctor then uses other tools to grasp the hemorrhoid and put a rubber band around it. The band stops the blood flow. The hemorrhoid then shrinks and falls off in 7 to 10 days.

In most cases, this treatment is done in the doctor's office. Your doctor can treat one or two hemorrhoids at a time. More hemorrhoids can be treated at 4- to 6-week intervals.

The treatment takes about 30 minutes. You can go home when it's done. Some people are able to return to regular activities right away. Others may need to take a few days off from work.

You will need to avoid heavy lifting and avoid straining with bowel movements.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Preparing for the procedure

• You may need to empty your colon with an enema or laxative. Your doctor will tell you how to do this.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the doctor's office

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will be awake during the procedure. You may get medicine that relaxes you.
• The procedure will take about 30 minutes.
• You will be able to go home right after the procedure.

When should you call your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.