Benefits of Hemorrhoid Banding

  • It is a non-surgical procedure
  • The treatment process is fast and effective
  • Because it is non-surgical and fast, it is one of the most affordable treatment options
  • Rubber band ligation, or banding, completely removes hemorrhoids. Dr. Woody will take a tiny rubber band (only a few millimeters wide) and put it over the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the flow of blood.
  • The hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off (along with the band) in less than a week.

The non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment is a fast, simple in-office procedure. The result is little to no pain or recovery time. The procedure takes less than one minute to complete, and there are rarely recurrence or complications for patients post-procedure.

Significantly lower than the cost of hemorrhoid surgery, hemorrhoid banding will fit into nearly any budget. On average, Mountain Streams Medical patients require an average of 3-4 doctor’s visits – keeping the overall cost for treatment low. Banding is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. If you don’t have insurance, ask our team about cash pay rates.

Hemorrhoids are very common and occur in half of all adults before the age of 50.

Benefits of Infrared Coagulation

  • It is a non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment
  • The treatment is very effective for grade 1 and some grade 2 hemorrhoids
  • Ideal for the elderly, pregnant women, those taking blood thinning medications

IRC is a minimally invasive, effective and well tolerated non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment done right in the physician’s office. It can be completed within minutes and the patients may return to work or their daily activities without any down time.

It can be very effective treatment for grade 1 and some grade 2 hemorrhoids. The IRC hemorrhoid treatment utilizes infrared light. This safe process is the same infrared light (non-cancer spectrum) we get from the sun, and is used in a very controlled manner to produce a safe, effective, hemorrhoids cure.

IRC is an ideal treatment method for numerous patients including: the elderly where risks due to health decline and frailty are a concern, pregnant moms in any stage of gestation or after labor and delivery, any patients that are nervous or worried about invasive treatments, and those who are required to take blood thinning medications like aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, Pradaxa.

While Infrared Coagulation can effectively treat some smaller hemorrhoids, it is not as effective with larger hemorrhoids as band ligation.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

      • It is a non-surgical procedure
      • It reduces blood supply t0 the hemorrhoid
      • It is a treatment for grade 1 or grade 2 hemorrhoids
      • Sclerotherapy may be used when other treatments fail

In this procedure, a proctoscope is gently inserted into the anus. A proctoscope is a short tube with a light on it which the doctor can use to look at the membranes lining the anus. With the help of the proctoscope, a liquid containing drugs such as quinine, polidocanol or zinc chloride is then injected into the area around the enlarged hemorrhoids. The aim of this procedure is to shrink the hemorrhoids by damaging blood vessels and reducing the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. 

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

You may have hemorrhoids if you notice any of the following symptoms: bleeding during bowel movements, protrusion during bowel movements, itching in the anal area, pain, sensitive lump(s).

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus. The most common symptoms are bleeding during bowel movements or protrusion through the anus upon straining. External hemorrhoids develop around the anus and can be very painful, especially if a blood clot develops within them. They can be felt as a firm lump around the anus.

Ways to Treat Hemorrhoids

In the past most people would simply tolerate hemorrhoids until they became so severe that surgery was required. Modern techniques have eliminated the need for surgery except in the most advanced cases. These techniques include rubber band ligation “Banding”, Scleroptherapy, and infrared coagulation “IRC”.  Dr. Woody will quickly asses which non-surgical treatment will work best for you.

Why is Surgery Not the Answer?

Most patients agree that hemorrhoid surgery is one of the most painful surgeries – imagine having stitches in your anus. Don’t let pain and bleeding persist. Be proactive, and avoid the pain and extensive downtime of surgery. We will quickly determine the extent of the problem and get this taken care of with non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment.

After your treatment:

  • Take a sitz bath (soaking in a tub) with Epsom salt for 20 minutes three or four times a day for the next 2 – 3 days.
  • After you have a bowel movement, clean the area. Baby wipes work effectively.
  • Eat a high fiber diet (fresh fruit, and vegetables). Continue this habit forever. Drink lots of fluids.
  • No prolonged sitting after the procedure.  
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Walks are recommended.
  • Note that slight blood-tinged drainage is normal. 
  • Call if you begin running a fever.
  • The swollen tissue inside the rectum can often cause a false sensation and an urge to move the bowels. Avoid straining.
  • Take acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain. 
  • Please make a follow-up appointment for 3 to 4 weeks from the day your procedure was performed. 

For other forms of treatment we highly recommend these Supplements to aid in your comfort & relief for a multitude of symptoms and issues.

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