Doctor talking to patient in office

Hemorrhoid Ligation

Hemorrhoid ligation is a type of treatment for hemorrhoids. Many individuals suffer from hemorrhoids. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about half of the population over the age of 50 has experienced hemorrhoids. The condition is painful and results from a high level of pressure present in the blood vessels in the rectum. There are many causes including constipation, heavy lifting, childbirth, and sitting for long periods of time. Depending on the type you have and the severity, you may need more advanced treatment. Hemorrhoid ligation is one of those options.

Hemorrhoid ligation is not uncommon. In fact, it is one of the most used methods to treat hemorrhoids because it is minimally invasive. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure as well. During the procedure, your Brooklyn gastroenterologist or another doctor will place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. When this is in place, it causes the blood supply to the hemorrhoid to be cut off. Over a few days, the mass will begin to shrink and, usually within a week, it will fall off. This method is highly effective with a success rate of as high as 80 percent. In addition, it is often sought after by doctors because it does not cause pain and can lead to a shorter recovery period than more advanced procedures such as a surgical hemorrhoidectomy.

Many Brooklyn hemorrhoid doctors believe that this is one of the best ways to treat hemorrhoids for multiple reasons. For example, it is an outpatient procedure with very few, if any, potential side effects. Additionally, most people benefit from this procedure and can avoid more radical procedures. It is simple and safe for most hemorrhoids including those rated first, second, or third-degree hemorrhoids.

Generally, most patients with common hemorrhoids will benefit from ligation. If you are using an anticoagulant to thin your blood or have acute thrombosis of the hemorrhoid, you may not qualify. Additionally, those hemorrhoids graded at IV or higher may not use this type of treatment. When you visit your GI doctor at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway office in Brooklyn, NY, he or she can help you determine if this is the best treatment for your specific needs.

During this procedure, you will be sedated so that you are relaxed. A scope is used to expose the hemorrhoid for treatment. The doctor will then use a tool to position a band at the very base of the hemorrhoid. This procedure is very precise and aims to enable treatment of one or two hemorrhoids at one time. More can be treated over the course of four to six weeks as necessary.

After the procedure, you’ll be able to go home and resume your normal daily activities. You may have some discomfort and swelling, but that is expected. Your Brooklyn doctor will tell you more about what to expect from the outcome since this can differ from one patient to the next.

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