treatments - BANDING OF HAEMORRHOIDS

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What are haemorrhoids?

• Haemorrhoids, more commonly called ‘piles’ are enlarged blood vessels in the rectum (back passage). These can become irritated causing bleeding, itching, discomfort and sometimes can protrude from the back passage.

What causes haemorrhoids?

• Haemorrhoids are very common.
• The main cause of haemorrhoids is constipation and straining to pass hard stools.
• Haemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy.

Treatment

• The banding of haemorrhoids can be carried out in the outpatient clinic.
• A small elastic band is placed around the haemorrhoid cutting off the blood supply, causing it to shrivel and wither away.
• Immediately after having your haemorrhoids banded, you may feel faint or light-headed. We advise that you stay in the clinic until this sensation has passed.

After the banding of haemorrhoids

• You may have a little spotting of blood for the first few days after and then slightly more bleeding may occur after 10-14 days. If these symptoms persist contact your own GP or your consultant.
• This treatment can cause some discomfort. A simple painkiller such as Paracetamol should help, however by keeping the stools soft by eating a high fibre diet will also help.
• It is uncommon to experience severe pain after banding although occasionally it can occur. This may be associated with a feeling of swelling, bruising, tingling and numbness around the perineum near the scrotum or vagina. Warm (not hot) baths in plain water can help or ice packs applied to any swelling.
• If you should experience excessive pain after banding of haemorrhoids, contact your GP or your consultant.

Follow up

• Your consultant will advise you when to come back to clinic to be followed up.

Prevention

• Avoid constipation by eating a high fibre diet (brown bread, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables).
• Drink plenty of fluids. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid excess tea and coffee.

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