Leaflet Details
| Title | Banding of Haemorrhoids |
| Department | Endoscopy |
| Author(s) | Robert Cagungao |
| Review Date | September 2026 |
| Next Review | September 2029 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF and A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
Your procedure explained
You have been given this leaflet because your doctor believes you may benefit from banding of your haemorrhoids. Normally you would have a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy first to check the bowel. When you come to hospital for that test, we shall discuss with you whether banding of haemorrhoids is appropriate for you and perform that as well.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal (back passage). We are all born with these 3 blood vessels (or blood cushions) and normally they help with continence, but over time, if they become swollen or cause us problems, they are called haemorrhoids, and we tend to seek medical attention for the symptoms. About half the UK population have symptoms of haemorrhoids at some time, and generally they are straight forward to treat.
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
The most common symptom is bleeding from your bottom especially after having bowels open. Normally the blood is fresh red and is on the toilet paper. Other symptoms include itching and soreness around the anus. Sometimes the piles can drop down, and people describe the feeling of them as “a bunch of grapes”.
What causes haemorrhoids?
The cause of haemorrhoids is unknown. It is thought that straining and constipation may contribute to the problem. They are also common after pregnancy because of the weight of the baby pushing down on that area.
What is banding and how will it help me?
The specialist doctor or nurse in Endoscopy will insert a small plastic tube called a proctoscope into the anus. Through this they will pass a device to put a very small, tight elastic band over the haemorrhoid. This band will cut off the blood supply at that point and over the next 10 to 14 days the haemorrhoid will fall off with the rubber band. The banding only takes a few minutes and is not painful. However, you may have a dull tummy ache for a day or two after the banding. You may also feel you need to pass wind straight away after the test and this is normal.
What are the risks of banding?
Banding is generally a very safe and effective procedure which is carried out on a day case basis. About 95% of patients have no ill effects after banding of haemorrhoids.
A small amount of bleeding after the procedure is common-about an egg cup full - especially after having bowels open. About 5% of patients will have minor complications such as mild bleeding or the bands may fall off prematurely. If this is the case with you then please see your GP for advice.
However very occasionally bleeding is heavier than this, either straight after the procedure or a week or two later. If you have heavy rectal bleeding and it is making you feel unwell, then you will need to have urgent medical attention. Similarly, if you have a fever, or cannot pass urine after the procedure, then go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department for attention and tell them you have had your haemorrhoids banded.
Alternatives to banding of piles?
For this particular visit we would consider doing banding of haemorrhoids only.
Other treatments that can be discussed on another day with you may include injecting of haemorrhoids to shrink them. This is a much less common procedure. Also, your Colorectal Consultant Surgeon may discuss with you having an operation for haemorrhoids under general anaesthetic. An operation under anaesthetic would NOT take place in the Endoscopy Unit.
After banding of piles
You can eat and drink, and bathe normally. You may benefit from sitting in a warm bath or having a hot water bottle, if you have tummy ache after the procedure.
Do not strain at having your bowels open. You may take simple painkillers at home for a day or two, if required, such as paracetamol (unless you have liver problems). Avoid painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin as they may cause bleeding. However, if you regularly take low dose Aspirin (75mgs) for heart or circulation problems, continue doing so.
Do not fly long haul for 3 weeks.
Avoid putting creams and lotions directly onto the anus for a couple of days.
Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days i.e. sports, gym work, jogging, cycling.
Follow up care
We will not routinely see you back in clinic, as banding of haemorrhoids should resolve your symptoms for several months at least. However, if your symptoms flare up again in the future please see your GP, and you may need some more banding or possibly an operation to manage your symptoms.
How can I prevent the haemorrhoids coming back?
Unfortunately having your haemorrhoids banded does not guarantee that they will never come back. You now know you are prone to them, so it makes sense to try and avoid them in the future.
The best way to avoid haemorrhoids is to avoid straining.
Drink a couple of litres of fluid every day and ensure that at least half your intake is caffeine-free.
Ensure you have 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Have a high fibre cereal daily - with a minimum of 10% fibre content.
f you bleed heavily after the banding procedure and feel ill and dizzy, or if you have a fever or cannot pass urine, get medical attention as soon as possible, as you may need to come into hospital for treatment.
Who should I contact for more advice or if I have any side effects?
Patient Contact Details and Telephone Enquiries
St Peter’s Hospital Patients should contact the appropriate Endoscopy team using the telephone numbers and opening hours outlined below.
Medical and Post-Operative Enquiries
For medical advice or post-operative enquiries following an endoscopic procedure, patients can contact:
Endoscopy Administration: 01932 726413
Endoscopy Nurses: 01932 722747
Telephone enquiries are answered seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, between 08:00 and 18:00.
Appointments and General Enquiries
For appointment-related queries and general enquiries, patients can contact:
Endoscopy Reception: 01932 722350
Endoscopy Booking Office: 01932 726575
The Endoscopy Booking Office is available Monday to Friday, between 08:30 and 16:30.
