When stuck with the problem of bleeding hemorrhoids, you might be at a loss as of what to do. You have many options on how to handle the situation, ranging from home treatment to surgery. There are a lot of ways to soothe and reduce the swelling, but so far if home treatments haven’t gone well, you may have moved on to the next step. If medications have failed you, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.
Schedule a time with your physician so he can take a look at the problem and let you know what your choices are. The likelihood of your problem being severe enough to require surgery is rare, so instead you will probably be offered different types of nonsurgical procedures. These range from injection sclerotherapy to coagulation therapy to rubber band ligation. Rubber bands? Yes indeed.
It may sound strange, but rubber band ligation really is a type of bleeding hemorrhoid treatment. If you think this means tying off the hemorrhoid with a rubber band, you are thinking correctly. While this technique doesn’t seem like it should be a tool in your doctor’s arsenal, it is actually quite effective and has been in use for centuries. With the flow of blood restricted by the rubber band, the affected vessel can then shrink, the rubber band can be removed, and you are on your way. Don’t try it at home though – doctors are familiar with the procedure, use special sterilized rubber bands, and let’s face it, they have a better view of what they are doing.
Rubber band ligation is used for second-degree cases. This means that the hemorrhoid will protrude from the anus during a bowel movement, but return back to where they were afterward inside the anus. Before the procedure, the patient refrains from taking medication that can lead to bleeding. Blood thinning medication such as aspirin is an example. The patient then receives and enema in order to remove any stool and provide clearer access to the problem area. When the time arrives for the procedure, a proctoscope is inserted into the anus. It may feel awkward, but the doctor will make sure the proctoscope is warmed and lubricated to lessen discomfort. Remember, often the problem is not very deep inside the anus, so your doctor won’t have very far to go.
Using the proctoscope to see, the doctor will then carefully apply the rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. You may be given a local anesthetic in order to reduce any pain caused after the bands are applied. For the most part though, this type of bleeding hemorrhoid treatment is not painful and only extra pressure or mild pain may be experienced. Eventually the area will shrink and the rubber band will come off on its own after seven to ten days.
This is the most common form of treatment with a high success rate. If you have more questions, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor and do what feels right for you.