Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is one of the most common and effective office treatments for internal hemorrhoids. It is a simple, non-surgical procedure done during a short office visit.
Your provider places a small elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off its blood supply, and over the next 1 to 2 weeks the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off on its own. A small scar forms in its place, which helps prevent future bleeding and bulging (prolapse).
Is banding right for me?
Banding is often one of the first treatments recommended for small to moderate internal hemorrhoids (grades I to III) that keep causing:
- Bleeding
- Itching
- A feeling of fullness
It is usually recommended when fiber, fluids, and other at-home treatments haven't helped.
Banding is not used for the largest, most advanced hemorrhoids (grade IV). It may also not be recommended if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have certain other medical conditions. Your provider will help you decide what's safest for you.
What to expect
- Banding is done right in the office and takes about 10 minutes.
- No sedation, anesthesia, or bowel prep is needed.
- The band is placed in an area with few pain-sensing nerves, so most people feel only mild pressure or fullness. This usually fades within minutes to hours.
- Most people go back to their normal activities the same day.
While you heal
- Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids.
- A gentle stool softener can help keep bowel movements comfortable.
- A small amount of bleeding between days 3 and 14 is normal. This is when the band and tissue fall off.
- If you can, avoid long trips or major events during this time.
Contact your provider right away if you have
- Heavy bleeding
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Trouble urinating
How many treatments will I need?
Banding relieves symptoms in about 9 out of 10 people. Usually only one or a few hemorrhoids are treated at each visit, so it's common to need more than one session. Your provider will examine you and make a treatment plan that's right for you.
Some people (about 1 in 5) need more banding later on. Because the procedure is quick and easy to repeat, it can be done again if hemorrhoids come back.