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A quick, effective treatment for bleeding or prolapsing internal haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. Internal haemorrhoids commonly cause painless bright red bleeding, a lump that comes down (prolapse), itching or discomfort.
Rubber band ligation (“banding”) is the most common non-surgical treatment for internal haemorrhoids. A small elastic band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply so it shrinks and falls away within about one to two weeks.
Banding is usually recommended for internal haemorrhoids that keep bleeding or prolapsing despite simple measures such as a high-fibre diet, fluids and avoiding straining. Rectal bleeding should always be assessed first, so Dr Zad will review your symptoms and may recommend a colonoscopy to rule out other causes.
Banding is commonly performed during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy under sedation in hospital, so you will not feel the bands being placed. Several haemorrhoids can be treated in one session, and some people need more than one treatment.
Afterwards you may feel a dull ache or a sense of fullness for a few days. Simple pain relief, warm baths, plenty of fluids, fibre and a stool softener help. Avoid heavy lifting and straining for about a week. A small amount of bleeding is common around 7–10 days later when the band falls off.
Seek urgent medical care if you have heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain or difficulty passing urine.
The procedure itself is usually done under sedation. Afterwards most people feel mild discomfort or pressure for a few days, which settles with simple pain relief.
If you have sedation, yes. You must not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for the rest of the day.
You can book directly, but a current GP referral is needed to claim the Medicare rebate. Call (07) 2111 2600 to discuss.
Bleeding or prolapsing haemorrhoids? Book a consultation with Dr Ali Zad.
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