Hemorrhoid ligation is a medical procedure used to treat hemorrhoids, often recommended to patients whose problem does not resolve with at-home treatments. The procedure is minimally invasive, requires no anesthesia, and is considered a permanent cure for hemorrhoids. The swollen veins simply fall off, so they cannot come back.
Thisis a great solution, especially if hemorrhoids have become a chronic issue for you. Let’s talk about hemorrhoid ligation and why this has become a popular choice among hemorrhoid sufferers.
How Does Hemorrhoid Ligation Work?
Hemorrhoid ligation is also known as rubber band ligation, and it involves the placement of special rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to dry up and fall off. The procedure requires no anesthesia for most and no scalpel and incision for all.
What Makes Hemorrhoid Ligation Great?
Ligation is considered one of the most effective ways to treat hemorrhoids, and it has a success rate of between 60 to 80 percent. Recovery time from this procedure is typically very short, and you can expect to return to your normal activities within two to three days, which is shorter compared to recovery from surgery.
One of the biggest advantages of ligation is that it offers a permanent solution for most people. Only 5 percent of people who have had the procedure experience a recurrence years after the procedure. Mostly, once a hemorrhoid falls off, it will not grow back – unlike other treatments such as creams or ointments, which only offer temporary relief. Ligation also tends to have fewer complications than other treatments like surgery, as it is minimally invasive. So, if you are looking for a non-surgical way to get rid of hemorrhoids, ligation could be ideal for you.
How Do You Recover From a Hemorrhoid Ligation?
There are several things you can do at home to help recover from this procedure:
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods.This will help soften your stool and make it easier to pass, which will reduce strain on the area. Avoid constipation by drinking lots of water and juice, and eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Supplements like psyllium husk powder can also help keep things moving smoothly through your system.
- Take sitz baths. Soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times per day helps achieve relief from symptoms. You can do this in your bathtub or with a special sitz bath basin that fits over your toilet seat. Add Epsom salts or baking soda for additional soothing power, if desired. Make sure the water isn’t too hot before getting in.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, and sports. Give your body time to heal completely before pursuing such activities.
Hemorrhoid Ligation in California
At Genensis Healthcare Partners, our board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform hemorrhoid ligation skillfully and with great success. We can help you overcome all your GI issues using state-of-the-art treatments that are painless and quick.
To schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors, call our location nearest you or use our convenient online request form.