When you still have pain, itch, burning or other symptoms associated with your hemorrhoids after a trial of medical management, dietary and lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive procedures may be an option for you.
These treatments can be performed in our office, or in an outpatient surgical setting, and typically don’t require anesthesia. We will customize your treatment based upon your individual needs. Options may include:
Rubber band ligation: here, a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid. The band causes the internal hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place.
It takes 2-4 treatments, each done about 2 weeks apart, to eliminate the hemorrhoid.
Complications, although rare, include mild pain or tightness (usually relieved with Sitz baths), bleeding, and infection.
If you are allergic to Latex, please be sure to notify our staff and latex free bands are available.
IRC Infrared Coagulation uses infrared light to cause small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel. IRC has few side effects and causes minimal immediate discomfort. It is associated with a slightly higher rate of hemorrhoids recurring compared with rubber band treatment but is an effective treatment option for many patients.
Hemorrhoid Energy Therapy or (HET) is done in conjunction with colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy at the hospital:
The procedure is performed under light anesthesia so you’ll need a driver
HET is a gentle, simple and efficient non-surgical treatment option that applies low-grade heat energy next to the hemorrhoids to minimize blood flow to the area and reduce inflamed hemorrhoids.
Many hemorrhoid treatment options require multiple procedures: HET can be used to treat multiple hemorrhoids in a single therapy session. It enables a more efficient treatment of grades 1 and 2 internal hemorrhoids compared with banding.