Rubber Band Ligation. Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates.
Hemorrhoids are normal parts of our anatomy. Hemorrhoids are abnormal. How can both of these statements exist in the same paragraph? Proctologists, also known as colon and rectal surgeons, tell us that both statement are true.
We are born with hemorrhoids. In fact, the main artery serving the rectum is called the superior hemorrhoidal artery. Hemorrhoids are nothing more than collections, of bundles of nerves, arteries, veins and connective tissue. They are present from birth and there are usually three groups of hemorrhoids in the anal canal. They serve to protect the anal opening as stool passes through it. They act as cushions, or bumpers.
Are Hemorrhoids “Good” Or Are They “Bad”?
Both. As they cushion the anal opening during a bowel movement, they also can enlarge and cause many symptoms. Nobody knows exactly why hemorrhoids become symptomatic. Too much pushing during a bowel movement? Pregnancy? Obesity? Hereditary? There are as many possible reasons for hemorrhoids enlarging as there are symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Protrusion (prolapse)\
- Itching
- Discharge
What To Do?
There are many forms of treatment for hemorrhoids. When the medical measures fail, rubber band ligation may help. Rubber band ligation is used only for internal hemorrhoids, or those hemorrhoids above the dentate line. The dentate line is an anatomical landmark within the anal canal. There are few pain nerve fibers in this region and therefore, the hemorrhoids can be treated without pain most of the time. (external hemorrhoids have many pain nerve fibers and cannot be treated with rubber band ligation).
How Does Rubber Band Ligation Work?
Rubber band ligation is an office procedure. No special preparation is needed. The patient lays comfortably on an exam table. An anoscope is inserted into the rectum to allow for visualization. A special grasper picks up the hemorrhoid, and a pre-loaded rubber band holder slides down the grasper and onto the base of the hemorrhoid. The surgeon then presses a handle which slides the rubber band down over the hemorrhoid. That’s it. The procedure usually takes one minute or less.
Within ten days, the hemorrhoid, deprived of its blood supply, falls off.
Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates.
The board certified surgeons of Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates have many years of experience using the rubber band ligation technique, in addition to using all other techniques to treat hemorrhoids. In fact, the physicians treat all diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Experience is important in medicine and in colon and rectal diseases.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call (310)273-2310.
