Hemorrhoids are a health problem that many people are embarrassed to talk about, but they are actually very annoying. Some people are unable to do their daily activities properly due to bleeding while going to the toilet, unbearable pain, and itching. If you are also suffering from this discomfort, and if home treatments do not help, today we are going to talk about a simple and very effective treatment method that your doctor may suggest to you.
What is Rubber Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids?
Although the name may sound like a big deal, it's actually quite simple. Simply put, it's not surgery. It involves placing a small rubber band around the base of your internal hemorrhoids, where they begin, and tightening them.
Think about it this way. What happens when you cut off the water and nutrients to a branch of a tree? After a few days, the branch will dry up and fall off on its own, right? That's how it is. This rubber band completely blocks the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. Then, because it doesn't get any blood, the hemorrhoid gradually shrinks, dries up, and usually falls off on its own within a week, leaving the body when you go to the toilet.
This is mainly done for internal hemorrhoids. This method is not usually used for external hemorrhoids.
Who is this treatment best suited for?
There are several situations in which your doctor may suggest this treatment to you:
- If you have problems with hemorrhoids, such as constant pain, itching, or bleeding when going to the bathroom .
- If there is no improvement despite home treatments, such as eating a diet rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding straining when going to the bathroom ,
- If you have medium-sized hemorrhoids that don't require major surgery.
But remember, this method may not be effective for very large hemorrhoids. In such cases, your doctor will advise you on another treatment method.
How should I prepare before treatment?
Even though this is not a major surgery, your doctor will give you some instructions. Following these exactly is very important for the success of the treatment.
- Medication Awareness: If you are taking any special medications, such as blood thinners , you should definitely tell your doctor about it. They may ask you to stop taking them a few days before the treatment.
- Bowel Preparation: Sometimes, a small amount of medicine may be given to cleanse the bowel (laxative) before treatment. This is done so that the doctor can see the hemorrhoids clearly during treatment.
How the treatment goes and after...
Don't worry, the entire process takes a very short time, about 5 minutes. This is something that can usually be done in the doctor's office (OPD).
The doctor first inserts a small, thin tube called an anoscope into the anus. It has a light at the end, so you can see inside better. Then, through this tube, he inserts another special device called a ligator, carefully grasps the hemorrhoid, and places the small rubber band so that it is stuck at the very base of the hemorrhoid. That's it! Then, both devices are taken out. Since there are few pain-sensitive nerves in that part of the anus, you won't feel much pain. But you may feel a slight squeezing sensation.
Let's take a look at what to expect after treatment and what you need to do on your part.
| What to expect | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Feeling of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen. Feeling like your stomach is going to burst. | This is normal. Take a painkiller prescribed by your doctor. This will go away in a day or two. |
| Seeing a few small drops of blood in the toilet bowl as the hemorrhoid falls off between 2-7 days. | This is also normal, don't worry. It means the treatment is successful. However, if there is excessive bleeding, inform the doctor immediately. |
| There may be some difficulty going to the toilet for the first few days. | Ask your doctor about a stool softener. Drink plenty of water. Eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). |
Do these things to heal quickly
- Don't strain when using the toilet: Never strain when using the toilet. Also, don't sit on the toilet for minutes.
- Do not lift heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks after treatment. This can put unnecessary pressure on the rectum.
- Prevent constipation: This is the most important thing. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. Include fiber-rich foods like kohlrabi, mukunuwenna, and plantains in your diet.
Situations when you should see a doctor immediately
Complications after this treatment are usually very rare. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, do not delay and call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Heavy bleeding: If the bleeding is so heavy that the toilet bowl is filled with blood.
- Unbearable pain: If you have severe pain that cannot be controlled even with painkillers.
- Fever: If you have a fever, as well as chills and shivering.
- Abnormal discharge: If a pus-like fluid comes out of the anus.
- Difficulty urinating: If you have difficulty urinating or experience pain while urinating.
Living with hemorrhoids can be very frustrating, so don't be shy about talking to your doctor about this simple, effective treatment. To find out if this treatment is right for you, and to learn more about it, see a doctor today.
Take-Home Message
- Rubber Band Ligation is a simple and highly effective non-surgical treatment for internal hemorrhoids.
- This may be a good solution for those who are not getting relief from home treatments.
- This process is very quick (less than 5 minutes) and recovery is also quick.
- After treatment, it is very important to avoid constipation and avoid heavy lifting.
- If you experience symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න