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Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids: Before Your Procedure

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Internal and external hemorrhoids

What is rubber band ligation?

Rubber band ligation treats hemorrhoids. This treatment is for only internal hemorrhoids.

Your doctor puts a special viewing tool into your anus. The doctor then uses other tools to grab the hemorrhoid and put a rubber band around it. The band stops the blood flow. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and fall off in 7 to 10 days.

In most cases, this procedure is done in the doctor's office. Your doctor can treat one or two hemorrhoids at a time. More hemorrhoids can be treated if you are asleep during the procedure.

The procedure 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.

Make sure not to lift anything heavy until you heal. It's also important not to strain when you have a bowel movement.

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.
  • 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.
  • Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
  • If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider.
  •  
    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.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter I462 in the search box to learn more about "Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids: Before Your Procedure".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.