Your Questions Answered
Haemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to discuss, however, the truth is everyone has them. Their job is to protect your anal sphincter muscles and to help keep your anus closed when you have moments of increased abdominal pressure, like when you’re coughing. They become a problem when they become inflamed and enlarged. By the age of 50, about half of the population will have experience of them and their associated symptoms of itchy and inflamed protrusions. Anything that causes an increase in abdominal pressure can cause Haemorrhoids to become chronically inflamed. Therefore, there is an increased prevalence of the condition with being pregnant, chronic constipation, lifting heavy weights, straining when passing stool, being obese, and with increasing age. Some studies have even suggested the tendency to develop Haemorrhoids is inherited.
Haemorrhoid banding is one of the best options for treating Haemorrhoids. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, that does not require anaesthesia, it has a short procedure time, and produces lasting results for patients. Many clinicians have questions about performing the procedure and choosing the best haemorrhoid banding ligator.
How Does a Banding Ligator Work?
Haemorrhoid banding works by cutting off blood flow to the swollen tissue so that the haemorrhoid tissue effectively dies and falls off. The band is applied to the neck of the Haemorrhoid, to contain 1-2 mm of tissue. The ischaemia resulting from this stimulates a fibrous reaction, which gradually glues the mucosa to the wall of the rectum and anal canal and constricts the dilated vessels inside the haemorrhoid. This process deals with the 2 elements forming the haemorrhoid body, namely: the mucosal prolapse and the dilated vessels. As the aim of the treatment is not to strangulate the haemorrhoid, but to deal with the 2 elements of its pathogenesis, the place for the application is important and should be at the highest point of the haemorrhoid to maximize its effect in treating the mucosal prolapse.
The haemorrhoid usually falls off within 5-10 days. The withered tissue often passes unnoticed into the toilet. Some patients experience a bit of bleeding when the haemorrhoid separates from the body. Multiple haemorrhoids can be treated in the one single procedure.
Which Patients Can Benefit ?
Haemorrhoid banding is suitable for internal 1st, 2nd & 3rd degree haemorrhoids. Fourth-degree external haemorrhoids are not suitable for banding.
How Do Patients Prepare For Banding Procedure?
Haemorrhoid banding using the Haemoband-PLUS Multi Band Ligator requires no dietary restrictions, bowel clearing, or other advance preparation.
How Long Does Haemorrhoid Banding Take?
One obvious advantage of using Haemorrhoid banding ligators to treat patients with Haemorrhoids, is how quickly the procedure takes. Ligation is usually an outpatient procedure, and it can even be done in the doctors’ office. Traditionally, it has taken doctors about 10 minutes to place one band. Modern ligators, such as the Haemoband-PLUS device with its pre-loaded bands that automatically reload, are even faster. Using the Haemoband-PLUS device allows the procedure to take between 2-3 minutes.
What is Haemorrhoid Ligation Recovery Like?
Once the band is placed onto the tissue, the patient will not feel any pain. Most patients are very able to resume the daily routines that same day. It would be advised to avoid heavy lifting or exertion for a few days.
Does Haemorrhoid Banding Produce Good results?
Yes. It has the highest rate of success for 1st – 3rd degree haemorrhoids. In our trial of patients with two or more haemorrhoids, 90% of patients were successfully treated. 95% of patients did not mind coming back for another treatment, if required, and 96% of procedures took less than 2 minutes to complete.
Which is the Best Type of Ligator?
The most cost effective and convenient approach to haemorrhoid banding is a single-use disposable instrument, such as the Haemoband-PLUS Multi Band Ligtor. This lightweight instrument is clean, eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, and it’s convenient and easy to use. The suction capability is easily controlled through the multi-action handle and for the patient is a much more comfortable method of holding the haemorrhoid, compared to metal forceps.
Due to its speed, comfort and convenience the Haemoband-PLUS Multi Band Ligator is the Gold Standard Treatment of RBL.
Is Haemorrhoid Banding Affordable?
Yes. Haemorrhoid banding is an established treatment for symptomatic internal haemorrhoids with proven efficacy, low cost, and limited discomfort. Banding (RBL) is simpler for the patients and typically requires shorter periods of time away from work for recovery. A disposable ligator such as the Haemoband-PLUS is the most cost-effective choice and very affordable. The disposable Haemoband-PLUS device saves on labour and supply costs associated with sterilization.
