You have had your haemorrhoid(s) treated with rubber band ligation. This is an effective form of treatment which often gives good long-term results. The haemorrhoid is drawn into an applicator tube using suction or forceps, and a small rubber band is applied over the haemorrhoid and left in place. The band cuts off the blood flow to the haemorrhoid tissue and causes it to drop off, usually within three to seven days. During this time it is common to feel some discomfort at the site, and taking simple painkillers such as paracetamol can help. It is normal to experience a small amount of bleeding, especially when you open your bowels, and when the haemorrhoid drops off. About 1 in 50 people will experience some bleeding approximately 10 days after banding.
After banding you should:
- Try not to pass stool for 6 to 12 hours, if possible
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
- Avoid using applicators to apply cream into the anus for 48 hours
- Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of fluid to avoid constipation (1.5 – 2 litres of water a day)
- You can bathe or shower as you wish
There is a small risk of infection or ulcers forming at the healing site. Your GP can provide support and advice about how to manage these problems.
Preventing haemorrhoids from developing in the future
Haemorrhoids develop as a result of increased pressure on the affected area. You can reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids by avoiding constipation, increasing your intake of fibre and drinking more fluid (as suggested above), to make your stool softer and easier to pass. You should avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods. Avoiding medicines which can cause constipation or try taking fibre supplements such as Fybogel, or stool softeners can help. Your GP can advise you about this and refer you for assessment if needed in the future.
Side effects to look out for
Side effects are extremely rare but we need to make you aware of symptoms to look out for.
Things to report to your doctor:
- Severe pain that does not respond to the methods of pain relief used after this procedure. The bands may be too close to the area in the anal canal that contains pain sensors.
- Bleeding from the anus.
- Infection in the anal area.
- Slightly raised temperature
- Redness, tenderness and swelling at the site of the IV injections that, persists for more than 48 hours.
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you have the following symptoms:
- Severe pain, nausea or vomiting
- Massive bleeding
- Temperature greater than 100°F / 39 °C
- Weakness or dizziness
- Inability to pass urine (urinary retention)
Please bring your report with you to the Accident and Emergency department
Further information and advice
If you have any urgent medical queries between the times of 1800-0800 relating to the symptoms that we advise you to look out for on your discharge leaflet – Please use our new dedicated Out of Hours Hot-Line. This will put you in contact with our partners at the L+D Gastro-Enterology Ward. They will not have access to your report so please have this handy when you make your call.
07815178199.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice .
Bedford Hospital Endoscopy unit: (Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm)
01234 355122 ext. 6445
For appointment queries: 01234 792269
FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE YOU MUST NOT DONATE BLOOD FOR 4-6 MONTHS
The reason for this is that your ability to donate blood in the future is dependent upon your diagnosis and the possibility that you might need to undergo further investigations or complete treatments. (British Society of Gastroenterology, 2019)
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
- Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise.
- For 2 to 3 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.
- You may take showers and baths as usual. Pat your anal area dry when you are done.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try eating bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- It is important to eat high-fibre foods after your procedure. This will make it easier to have bowel movements and keep your haemorrhoids from coming back.
- You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your procedure. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach: Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to)
Other instructions
- Support your feet with a small step stool when you sit on the toilet. This helps flex your hips and places your pelvis in a squatting position. This can make bowel movements easier after your procedure.
- Try lying on your stomach with a pillow under your hips to decrease swelling.