Fast Relief For Hemorrhoids

If your hemorrhoids have become a larger issue and you are no longer able to get relief from over-the-counter remedies, there is a non-surgical treatment that we can perform in-house to remove the enlarged tissue.

Called hemorrhoid banding, the procedure is quick – just 5 to 15 minutes – and relatively painless. Additionally, most insurance plans cover some of the cost of the hemorrhoid banding treatment.

What Are They?

Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue located in your lower rectum. They contain blood vessels, muscle, and elastic fibers — and everyone has them. Just like other tissue in your body, hemorrhoids can become inflamed and swell, causing itching, burning, and discomfort.

Several things can cause hemorrhoids, but some of the most common causes are:

• Constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Obesity
• Prolonged sitting
• Heavy lifting
• Age

Hemorrhoid Prevention and Treatment

Sometimes, hemorrhoids can’t be avoided, but some simple ways you can focus on day-to-day include:

• Staying hydrated
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Not “holding it” when you need to use the bathroom
• Being physically active in some way every day

But, when hemorrhoids do present themselves, there are several ways to temporarily relieve any discomfort.

• Use an over-the-counter cream such as Preparation-H.
• Use witch hazel wipes such as Tucks.
• Take pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
• Take a warm bath with Epson Salt for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also do a sitz bath, which immerses just your buttocks in the water.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area.

All these remedies are temporary solutions designed to relieve discomfort. In time, most hemorrhoidal swelling reduces (such as after a pregnancy is completed). But hemorrhoids can get progressively worse over time and, in those cases, will need to be removed. This is where the hemorrhoid banding procedure can be used.

Procedure Details

In this office, we use the CRH O’Regan System, which involves placing a tiny rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The banded tissue then shrinks and falls off within a day or so, usually without you noticing. Typically, patients will need three treatments, one per hemorrhoid column.

The procedure takes about 5-15 minutes and can be done in the office. It requires no sedation and no fasting or patient preparation. Additionally, most people who have this procedure done return to work and/or normal activities on the same day.

Get Expert Care!

If you are having hemorrhoid discomfort, please reach out to us and schedule an appointment. Our physicians will talk through what you are dealing with and what solutions might work for you — including if hemorrhoid banding is right for you. You can call us or visit us online to request an appointment.

Gastroenterology Associates opened in 1978. We offer five offices and three endoscopy centers in Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, and Clemson. As the largest and most experienced gastroenterology practice in South Carolina, we provide expert care with the latest diagnostic testing and treatment plans. Our medical staff comprises 20 Gastroenterologists and 11 Advanced Practice Providers who are all committed to treating our patients with kindness and respect.