Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) is a procedure in which haemorrhoids are tied at their base with the help of rubber bands, thereby cutting off the blood flow.

To perform this procedure, a doctor will insert an anoscope (viewing instrument) into the anus. Then each of the haemorrhoid will be grasped with the help of an instrument, and this device will place a rubber band near the base of haemorrhoid. Gradually, the haemorrhoid will shrink and fall off. A mild scar will form at the place of haemorrhoid which holds the nearby veins in place, so most of them don’t bulge into the anal canal.

After the procedure, you might feel some sensation and mild pain for sometime. Sometimes you might even feel a bowel movement. You need to tell the surgeon if it is too painful.

Dr El-Khoury can treat multiple haemorrhoids if the patient has general anaesthesia.

What to expect after RBL?

Patients respond differently to this procedure. You might have to avoid heavy lifting for two to three weeks, but you can return to regular activities after three to four days.

Discomfort may persist for at least 48 hours after RBL. You can sit in shallow tub of warm water for twenty minutes or use some pain killersto relive some discomfort.

Bleeding may also occur six to eight days after the surgery, when your haemorrhoids fall off. The bleeding is slight and will stop by itself. Doctor might ask you to take a stool softener and drink more fluids to ensure smooth bowel movement.

Why It Is Done?

RBL is widely used for treating internal haemorrhoids. If symptoms still persist after four to five treatments, surgery may be considered. This procedure cannot be used if there’s not enough tissue to pull into the rubber band used in the procedure. 

Dr El-Khoury will discuss the operation detailing the indications, the risks and the benefits of the surgery and will also supplement his discussions with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons information on the surgery.