Band Ligation for Hemorrhoids (Hemorrhoidal Banding)

• Rubber band ligation is a non‑surgical, office‑based procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids by cutting off their blood supply. Using a specialised instrument (a ligator) passed through a small anoscope, Dr. Lassu places one or two tiny rubber bands around the base of each hemorrhoid. The bands interrupt blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, which then shrinks, withers, and falls off naturally – typically within 5–14 days, often during a normal bowel movement without you even noticing.
• The procedure is performed on tissue above the dentate line, which has very few pain receptors, so you feel only mild pressure or a sensation of fullness. Dr. Lassu may treat one to two hemorrhoids per session; if you have more, a second session can be scheduled 4–6 weeks later. Rubber band ligation is recognised as the gold standard for treating symptomatic grade I, II, and carefully selected grade III internal hemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative measures such as dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.

You may be a suitable candidate for rubber band ligation if you experience:

• Bright red rectal bleeding, especially during or after bowel movements
• Prolapsing internal hemorrhoids that spontaneously reduce (grade II) or can be manually reduced (grade III)
• A sensation of fullness, itching, or irritation in the anal area
• Persistent symptoms despite a high‑fibre diet, adequate hydration, and avoidance of straining

Rubber band ligation is not suitable for:

• External hemorrhoids
• Grade III hemorrhoids with a large external component
• Grade IV hemorrhoids (permanently prolapsed tissue that cannot be reduced)
• Hemorrhoids located very close to the dentate line (where banding would cause significant pain)

A thorough examination by Dr. Lassu, including an anoscopy, is essential to determine if you are a good candidate and to rule out other anorectal conditions.

• Performed in the clinic – no operating room, no general anaesthesia
  The procedure is done in our comfortable DHA‑licensed facility while you are fully awake; only local anaesthesia is used if needed
• No incisions, no stitches – truly non‑invasive
  Rubber band ligation requires no cutting of tissue, leaving no wounds and reducing the risk of infection or scarring
• Minimal discomfort
  Most patients feel only mild pressure or a sense of fullness for 24‑48 hours – significantly less pain than after traditional hemorrhoid surgery
• Fast recovery – back to work the next day
  You can resume most normal activities within 24 hours; no prolonged downtime or sick leave
• Short procedure time (5‑10 minutes)
  The entire session takes only minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule
• High success rate with lasting relief
  For appropriately selected patients, rubber band ligation provides durable symptom relief, often avoiding the need for more invasive surgery
• Low risk of complications
  Serious complications (bleeding, infection, urinary retention) are very rare compared to excisional hemorrhoidectomy
• Can be repeated safely
  If new hemorrhoids develop or symptoms recur, additional banding sessions can be performed without increased risk

Before the Procedure

During your initial consultation, Dr. Peter Lassu will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your symptoms. An anoscopy will be performed to visualise the internal hemorrhoids and confirm that you are a suitable candidate. You will receive specific preparation instructions, which may include:

• Stopping blood‑thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin) for a few days before the procedure, if safe to do so
• Performing a single rectal enema at home to empty the lower bowel
• Arranging for someone to drive you home if sedation is used (though most patients require no sedation)

During the Procedure (5‑10 minutes)

• Dr. Lassu will gently insert a small, lubricated anoscope into the anal canal to visualise the internal hemorrhoids
• Using a specialised ligator, he will grasp the hemorrhoidal tissue and place one or two rubber bands around its base, cutting off the blood supply
• The instruments are removed, and you are ready to go home within minutes

Most patients experience only a mild sensation of fullness or pressure. No incisions, no stitches, and no general anaesthesia are required.

Aftercare and Recovery

• Immediately after: You may feel a mild ache or a sense of pressure in the lower abdomen or rectum. This is normal and usually resolves within 24‑48 hours
• Pain relief: Simple over‑the‑counter paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually sufficient. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) for one week unless specifically approved by Dr. Lassu
• Bowel care: Dr. Lassu may recommend a stool softener or mild laxative to prevent constipation and straining. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high‑fibre diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Sitz baths: Sitting in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 10‑15 minutes once or twice a day can help reduce discomfort
• What to expect: A small amount of blood on the toilet paper or in the stool is normal during the first few days as the treated tissue shrinks. The rubber bands typically fall off within 5‑14 days, often without you noticing
• When to call the doctor: Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding (clots or continuous bright red blood), fever, chills, inability to urinate, or painful urination
• Return to work: Most patients resume work and normal daily activities the next day, though heavy lifting should be avoided for 3‑5 days

Say Goodbye to Hemorrhoid Symptoms – Book Your Consultation Today

You no longer need to live with the discomfort, bleeding, and embarrassment of internal hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation is a fast, safe, and highly effective treatment that can restore your quality of life in just minutes.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Peter Lassu at ELEMENTAL Day Surgical Center, Dubai, today.