Hemorrhoids are a common condition that many people will experience. However, hemorrhoids that don’t resolve with at-home treatment may require interventional treatment methods. At Bay Area Gastroenterology in Trinity, FL, several treatment options will be available to you, such as hemorrhoidal banding.
Hemorrhoidal banding is a simple procedure that involves tying a rubber band to the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to the area. When a hemorrhoid loses blood flow, it will dry out and fall off, which then resolves any discomfort you may have. Although this procedure is simple and can be completed on an outpatient basis, your recovery may take some time.
How Long Is Recovery After Hemorrhoidal Banding?
In general, your recovery period after this procedure will take about two to three weeks. During the first week, you will likely require minimal activity and plenty of rest. Although you will be able to return to work in a few days, you will still need to follow extensive recovery instructions so you can feel better more quickly. Some specific instructions include:
Activity
Moderating your activity is one of the most important things you can do during your recovery. For example, you should avoid any straining or lifting movements, including carrying groceries or doing household chores for at least one to two weeks. You should hold off on intense activity until your physician says it’s okay, which means you may not be able to continue aerobic exercise, weight lifting, or bicycling until after you are fully recovered.
You may also not be able to drive for a few days or weeks until your physician approves it. Although you will need to avoid many activities, you should still engage in light activities, such as walking around the house, which will boost blood flow and help your recovery process.
Diet
Your diet after your procedure will be mostly the same. You should not need to moderate your normal diet unless you are experiencing an upset stomach, in which case you will want to use the BRAT method, meaning you should eat plain or boiled foods like toast, chicken, rice, and broth.
You should be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids during your recovery, including meal replacements like protein drinks if you have been advised to avoid high-fiber foods. Meal replacements will help you feel full and will support your nutritional needs.
Medication
Your regular medications may have been altered to prepare for your treatment, but you should be able to begin taking your normal medications a few days after your procedure or as soon as your physician degrees. Medications like aspirin may need to be avoided until after your hemorrhoid has resolved.
You may have been given pain medications to take during your recovery, so please be sure to follow all directions on this medication. You may have also been prescribed topical numbing ointments or other medications like antibiotics to aid in your recovery.
Additional Instructions
You may have additional instructions to help with your recovery, such as using a sitz bath several times a day, keeping the rectal area clean and dry, and using cold compresses. For some, it can be helpful to use a stool when you need to go to the bathroom since this will place your pelvis in the proper procedure position to pass bowels more easily. You may also be directed to lay on your stomach or elevate your hips to decrease swelling after your procedure.
Follow-Up
You will likely have at least one follow-up appointment after your treatment. Your follow-up will be scheduled at least one to two weeks after your treatment to assess how successful the hemorrhoidal banding has been. If you have other symptoms during your recovery, you may want to schedule a sooner follow-up appointment.
Will You Need To Prepare for Treatment?
Yes, there are some things you will need to do to prepare for hemorrhoidal banding. For example, you may need to stop using certain medications and supplements that can thin the blood or that may complicate your recovery.
Before this procedure, you may need to complete labs and exams, including a colonoscopy or digital rectal exam to assess your condition. Because your recovery time will take a few weeks, you may want to arrange for time off of work or arrange for help at home so that you can rest comfortably and focus on your recovery.
Can Hemorrhoids Come Back After This Treatment?
Hemorrhoids that have been treated with hemorrhoidal banding very rarely return. This is one of the best procedures to resolve a hemorrhoid that does not respond to other treatments. That said, lifestyle factors and other health conditions may make it possible for hemorrhoids to return in different areas. Discuss with your doctor whether or not you have high-risk factors for future hemorrhoids.
Other FAQs
1. What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Generally speaking, hemorrhoids are caused by pressure in the rectum that causes the veins around the anus to swell. The increased pressure can occur due to constipation, straining, sitting for too long on the toilet, or even stress. Understanding the cause of your hemorrhoids may help you put it inwards in the future.
Some populations are more at risk of developing hemorrhoids, including those who live a sedentary lifestyle, older adults, and people who have digestive disorders. Sometimes, medications that contribute to constipation can also be a causal factor for hemorrhoids.
2. What Are Common Home Treatments?
There are several treatments you can use at home to address hemorrhoids. Most of these at-home treatments are aimed at soothing your discomfort. The vast majority of hemorrhoids will heal on their own, but using these at-home methods can help your hemorrhoids heal faster and also prevent hemorrhoids in the future. Some of these at-home treatments include:
More Fiber and Water
Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can be the best way to alleviate symptoms of constipation and chronic diarrhea. It’s important to have enough fiber in your diet because fiber adds weight to your stool that will help waste move more quickly out of your colon. You can consider using fiber supplements like Metamucil or Benefiber to increase soluble fiber in your body.
When you are increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, you should also be sure to increase your water intake. Increasing fiber without increasing water can lead to constipation. Be sure to drink at least two liters of water throughout the day every day to prevent constipation and make stools easier to pass.
Stool Softeners and Osmotic Laxatives
While you are recovering from hemorrhoids, it may be a good idea to use a stool softener like Colace or osmotic laxatives like Miralax. Both of these over-the-counter medications work to draw more water into the intestines to keep stools soft and easy to pass. Both stool softeners and osmotic laxatives can be used safely in the short term to help the pain associated with hemorrhoids or can be used long-term for people who have chronic constipation.
People who have chronic constipation may be taking medications that slow down the digestive system, such as pain medications and supplements like iron. Chronic constipation can also be caused by digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or IBS.
Sitz Baths
A sitz bath is another way to help hemorrhoids heal more quickly at home. A sitz bath works by soaking the rectum in warm water for 20 minutes several times a day to soothe discomfort and increase blood flow. You should take sitz baths 1 to 3 times a day. Do not add soap or have some salt to the bath, as this can dry out and irritate the skin.
Topical Ointments
You may also be able to use topical ointments at home to ease the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, which can include itching and pain. Topical ointments can include Preparation H or other prescriptions that are prescribed by your doctor or can be bought over the counter.
3. Why Do Some Treatments Not Work?
Although hemorrhoids should generally resolve themselves within one to two weeks, some hemorrhoids are resistant to at-home treatments. Sometimes, the treatments do not work because of lifestyle factors, complications due to medications, and continued stress that contributes to hemorrhoids. If your hemorrhoids are not resolved with at-home care after one to two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your physician to have an exam and develop a treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment
Hemorrhoids are a common but uncomfortable condition that can make it difficult to go to the bathroom. Some people who have recurrent hemorrhoids find the pain and discomfort very disruptive. Hemorrhoidal banding is a good option to treat hemorrhoids that do not respond to at-home treatment. If you think hemorrhoidal banding is a good option for you, please call us at Bay Area Gastroenterology in Trinity, FL today to schedule your initial appointment.
