If you have hemorrhoids, you know just how painful, itchy, and uncomfortable they can be. These swollen anal or rectal veins are caused by increased vascular pressure, typically from straining during a bowel movement or sitting on the toilet too long. Other factors, like being overweight or pregnant, can increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid symptoms include discomfort, swelling, and sometimes, rectal bleeding during or after a bowel movement. Treatment options for this common problem include everything from simple home remedies to surgery in more serious cases.
If you’re looking for an effective non-surgical solution for bothersome recurrent hemorrhoids, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Husney offers a painless, minimally invasive treatment called hemorrhoid banding at Jack Husney, MD, in Brooklyn, New York.
Read on as Dr. Husney explains what hemorrhoids are, offers ways to ease their symptoms at home, and discusses how hemorrhoid banding works to provide a long-lasting solution.
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids occur around your anus, while external hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum.
Hemorrhoid discomfort varies depending on its type and severity. The most common at-home treatments for hemorrhoids include applying over-the-counter creams, taking warm baths, and gradually adding more fiber to your diet to avoid constipation and bowel strain.
But when hemorrhoids are especially bothersome or recurrent, you need next-level care. While surgery may be the right approach in severe cases, most hemorrhoids can be resolved with a painless, minimally invasive treatment known as hemorrhoid banding.
Hemorrhoid banding — also known as rubber band ligation — is a simple procedure used to resolve internal hemorrhoids. It involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid inside your rectum.
The band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off, typically within about a week. This treatment is a simple yet highly effective way to get rid of internal hemorrhoids without surgery.
When performed by a skilled specialist like Dr. Husney, hemorrhoid banding is straightforward and quick. The treatment typically takes just a few minutes, and there’s no need for anesthesia.
During the procedure, Dr. Husney examines the area to determine the size and location of the hemorrhoids. He then applies a tiny rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid using a special tool made for that purpose.
After your hemorrhoid banding procedure, you can head home and resume most of your normal daily activities. Dr. Husney provides detailed instructions on aftercare to keep any discomfort to a minimum and promote optimal healing.
He typically recommends staying well hydrated and increasing the amount of fiber you eat to make your bowel movements easier. You should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a short period after your procedure.
Hemorrhoid banding has two considerable advantages: It’s minimally invasive and highly effective. It doesn’t require any cuts or stitches, and it provides near-immediate symptom relief that carries over into a high rate of long-term hemorrhoid resolution.
It also helps prevent hemorrhoid recurrence. Compared to invasive surgical options, there’s minimal risk of complications, and most people experience minimal to no discomfort during and after the procedure.
You don’t have to live with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid banding is a safe, effective, painless, and minimally invasive way to resolve this common problem. Call 718-872-5270 today to reach our Brooklyn, New York, office, or click online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Husney at your convenience.