Rubber band ligation (RBL) is one of the common procedures to treat hemorrhoids in Minnesota. Hemorrhoid banding is an office procedure in which the prolapsed hemorrhoid tissue is tied off at its base with rubber bands. It works very well for prolapsed hemorrhoids, such as the advanced grade 2 and grade 3 hemorrhoids. It cannot be performed if there is not enough tissue to pull into the barrel in the banding device. Hemorrhoid banding treatment is almost never appropriate for grade 1 or mild grade 2 hemorrhoids (treated with IRC), or most severe (grade 4) hemorrhoids (treated with surgery).

The process involves a doctor inserting an anoscope into the anus and grasping the prolapsed hemorrhoid with a long clamp to place a rubber band around its base. With the rubber band in place, the hemorrhoid dies off in a few days or a week. The procedure is done in a doctor’s office and only a couple of minutes. Treatment is usually limited to 1 hemorrhoid each office visit and additional areas may be treated at 2 week intervals.

After the procedure, some patients may feel tightness, mild pain or have the feeling of bowel movement. Most patients in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas are able to return to regular activities (but avoid heavy lifting) almost immediately. If you feel some pain after banding, you may use Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed and do a lot of sitz bath for 15-30 minutes at a time to relieve discomfort. Some patients may have slight rectal bleeding in a week. If you notice significant rectal bleeding, then you should call your doctor’s office.

There are many ways to prevent the hemorrhoids for the patients in Minnesota. One of the best ways to avoid hemorrhoids or a flare up is to avoid constipation by keeping your stools soft. Eating a diet that is high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are recommended. Taking a fiber supplement every day, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, can help keep bowel movements regular. Drinking enough fluids is equally as important. Water is the best form of hydration (6-8 glasses daily). Daily exercise is also great to help the bowel move through your digestive system and prevent you from becoming constipated. Moderate activity of at least 30 minutes 3-4 times per week is recommended. Long time of sitting or standing should be avoided. Scheduling time each day for a bowel movement and keeping it a daily routine may help. The best time for a bowel movement is right before taking a shower, washing helps to reduce anal skin irritation after bowel movement. Another convenient option for people in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas is to use IntelliSeat. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement, because straining can aggravate hemorrhoids. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. Lastly, once you feel the urge, it is important to go because if you wait to pass a bowel movement, the urge goes away and your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.

Since its introduction 20 years ago, infrared coagulation has become the world’s leading office treatment for hemorrhoids. Dr. Shu has provided one stop hemorrhoid treatment in Minneapolis since 2002, and he has treated thousands of hemorrhoid patients in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas with the IRC technology. This non-surgical treatment is fast, well tolerated and remarkably complication-free. A small probe is placed on the hemorrhoid and a few short bursts of infrared light are applied. The infrared light quickly coagulates the vessels that provide the hemorrhoid with blood, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and recede. Shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissue may take a few weeks.

There may be a quick sensation of pain during the short burst of infrared light but overall the IRC treatments are very tolerable and painless. There are no post-treatment effects in 99% of patients. Usually approximately 4 treatments are required. The IRC technology is very effective in treating grade 1 and grade 2 hemorrhoids. In general, the treated hemorrhoids do not reoccur. Patients return to a normal lifestyle right after the treatment on the same day. There may be slight spot bleeding a few days later and up to 2 weeks. Heavy straining or lifting should be avoided and aspirin should not be taken for a few days. A sensible diet, moderate exercise and proper bowel habits will help so no further hemorrhoids will form.

Procedure Clinic also offers the banding and hemorrhoidectomy for the patients with the advanced hemorrhoids. If you have any questions about hemorrhoid treatment in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas, please call us at 952-922-2151.