Rubber Band Ligation

In brief: Rubber band ligation is an office procedure that places a small elastic band around selected internal hemorrhoidal tissue so it separates and heals with fibrosis.

Use in hemorrhoids

Banding is used for selected symptomatic internal hemorrhoids after examination confirms a suitable target. A ligator places the band above the pain-sensitive dentate line. The tissue loses blood supply, separates later, and the resulting scar helps reduce bleeding or prolapse. [1]

Pressure, a dull ache, spotting, and temporary activity adjustment may occur. Bowel management and medicine instructions are part of recovery. A low band can cause sharp pain; delayed bleeding, urinary retention, thrombosis, and rare pelvic sepsis are recognized complications.

Clinical detail

Banding does not remove external hemorrhoids and is not suitable for every prolapse pattern, bleeding risk, immune state, or coexisting anorectal disorder. Symptoms can recur, and treatment may be repeated or changed. No individual procedure recommendation can be made from grade alone.