Hemorrhoid Banding Specialist

Advanced GI LLC

Gastroenterologists located in Chicago, IL

If you’re looking for non-surgical solutions to treat painful hemorrhoids, you can find them at Advanced GI LLC in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Experienced gastroenterologists Michael Flicker, MD, and Carl Atallah, DO, offer hemorrhoid banding services to destroy bothersome hemorrhoids without incisions or surgery. Find out if you’re a candidate for hemorrhoid banding by calling Advanced GI LLC or booking an appointment online today.

Hemorrhoid Banding Q&A

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids describe enlarged veins in the anus and lower rectum. These veins may swell due to pressure from straining with bowel movements. Pregnancy can also put increased pressure on the veins and cause them to enlarge.

You can develop hemorrhoids on the inside or outside of your rectum and anus. These enlarged veins can cause symptoms like:

Pain
Irritation
Bleeding
Swelling

If you’re no longer able to manage hemorrhoid symptoms with over-the-counter creams or pain relievers, you may need medical treatment. The team offers hemorrhoid banding to treat painful hemorrhoids.

What happens during hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a non-surgical procedure to destroy enlarged anal or rectal veins. During the process, your provider uses a litigator tool to wrap small rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid.

These bands block the blood supply to the vein. Over time, the hemorrhoid begins to die off and detaches itself from the healthy tissue in your anus or rectum. This process can take one to two weeks to complete.

Your hemorrhoid symptoms should begin resolving soon after your procedure. However, you may experience new responses from the banding, such as:

Gas
Constipation
Rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling

You may need to use a stool softener or a laxative to prevent straining during bowel movements while the rubber bands are in place.

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

Following your hemorrhoid banding procedure, your provider can help you strategize ways to prevent additional hemorrhoids, such as:

Dietary changes

Eating high-fiber foods and taking fiber supplements can prevent constipation and the need to strain during bowel movements.

Proper hydration

Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day keeps your stool soft and reduces your risk for chronic constipation.

Stay active

Daily exercise relieves pressure on anal and rectal veins and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can be a contributing factor to recurrent hemorrhoids.

If you need treatment for painful hemorrhoids, call Advanced GI LLC, or book an appointment online today to learn more about hemorrhoid banding.

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