Injection or Banding of Haemorrhoids

Injection or banding of haemorrhoids is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat internal haemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum. The goal of the procedure is to reduce blood flow to the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off.

Types of Procedures

• Rubber Band Ligation (Banding): This is a common procedure where a small rubber band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid then falls off within a few days.
• Sclerotherapy (Injection): In this procedure, a chemical solution is injected into the haemorrhoid tissue, causing it to shrink and scar. This method is often used for smaller haemorrhoids.

How the Procedure is Performed

The procedure is usually performed in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic. The patient is typically placed in a comfortable position on an examination table, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area. A proctoscope (a hollow tube with a light on the end) is inserted into the rectum to visualize the haemorrhoid.

For rubber band ligation, the doctor uses a special tool to place one or more small rubber bands around the base of the haemorrhoid. For sclerotherapy, the doctor injects the chemical solution into the haemorrhoid tissue using a fine needle.

Risks and Complications

While generally safe, injection or banding of haemorrhoids can have some risks and complications, including:

• Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels)
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Narrowing of the rectal opening (stenosis)
• Recurrence of haemorrhoids

Aftercare and Recovery

After the procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort, bleeding, or difficulty passing stools. To minimize these symptoms, it is recommended to:

• Avoid heavy lifting or straining
• Take warm baths to soothe the area
• Use stool softeners or fibre supplements to prevent constipation
• Avoid spicy or fatty foods that can irritate the rectum

Effectiveness and Long-term Results

The success rate of injection or banding of haemorrhoids is generally high, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in symptoms. However, recurrence of haemorrhoids can occur over time, especially if underlying factors such as constipation or poor bowel habits are not addressed.