Office-Based Hemorrhoid Treatments: What to Expect in Houston, TX

By Ritha Belizaire

Quick Insights

Hemorrhoid banding is an office-based procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids by placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off blood flow, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off within a few days. The procedure takes only a few minutes and can be performed without general anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and typically return to normal activities within a few days.

Key Takeaways

• Hemorrhoid banding successfully treats 70-80% of grade I-II hemorrhoids with one to three sessions.
• The procedure works best for internal hemorrhoids that bleed or prolapse during bowel movements.
• Most patients report mild pressure or cramping during the procedure, not sharp pain.
• Recovery typically involves minor discomfort for a few days, which can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Why It Matters

Understanding office-based hemorrhoid banding helps reduce anxiety about treatment. Many patients delay care due to fear of painful surgery. This minimally invasive option offers relief without the recovery time of traditional surgery, allowing you to address symptoms while maintaining your daily routine and quality of life.

Introduction

As a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, I've helped hundreds of Houston patients find relief from hemorrhoid symptoms without traditional surgery. At Houston Community Surgical, I focus on office-based treatments that fit into your busy life. To learn more about my training and qualifications as a board-certified colorectal surgeon, visit Dr. Ritha Belizaire's professional bio page.

Hemorrhoid banding is an office-based procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids by placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid tissue. This cuts off blood flow, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off naturally within a few days.

Clinical guidelines support hemorrhoid banding as a first-line treatment for grade I-II hemorrhoids because it's effective, quick, and doesn't require general anesthesia.

Most patients worry about pain, but the procedure typically causes only mild pressure or cramping. You can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, making it ideal for busy professionals who can't afford extended recovery time.

I serve patients from Midtown Houston, Upper Kirby, and surrounding areas. This article explains what happens during hemorrhoid banding, who benefits most, and how it compares to surgical options.

What Is Hemorrhoid Banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is an office-based procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids by placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid tissue. This cuts off blood flow, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off naturally within a few days.

I perform this procedure in my Houston office without general anesthesia. The procedure is brief, often taking less than five minutes. While some patients return to work the same day, others may require a day or two before resuming normal activities.

Clinical guidelines confirm that most grade I-II hemorrhoids and select grade III cases respond well to office-based banding.

The procedure works best for internal hemorrhoids that bleed or prolapse during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids develop above the dentate line, where nerve endings are less sensitive. This anatomical difference explains why most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure rather than sharp pain.

In my practice, I often see patients who delayed treatment because they feared painful surgery. Hemorrhoid banding offers relief without the recovery time of traditional hemorrhoidectomy, making it an ideal first-line option for appropriate candidates.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Office-Based Hemorrhoid Treatment in Houston?

You may be a good candidate for hemorrhoid banding if you experience bleeding, prolapse, or discomfort from internal hemorrhoids that haven't responded to conservative measures like fiber supplements and stool softeners.

I evaluate each patient carefully before recommending office-based treatment. Diagnostic evaluation helps determine which hemorrhoid grade you have and whether banding will provide lasting relief. Grade I hemorrhoids bleed but don't prolapse. Grade II hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements but reduce spontaneously.

Grade III hemorrhoids require manual reduction after prolapse.

Patients with grade I-II hemorrhoids typically achieve the best results with banding. Some grade III cases also respond well, though these may require multiple sessions or alternative approaches depending on the degree of prolapse.

You're not a good candidate if you have external hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, or an active infection. I also avoid banding in patients taking blood thinners without proper coordination with their prescribing physician, as this increases bleeding risk.

What Happens During an In-Office Hemorrhoid Banding Procedure?

The procedure begins with a brief examination to identify which hemorrhoids need treatment. I use a small instrument called a ligator to place a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid tissue.

Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or cramping rather than pain. The procedure takes less than five minutes from start to finish. I typically treat one to two hemorrhoids per session to minimize discomfort and allow proper healing between treatments.

Research shows that rubber band ligation achieves high treatment success rates with acceptable post-procedure discomfort. The banded tissue loses its blood supply and typically falls off within one to two weeks, often during a bowel movement.

I provide detailed aftercare instructions before you leave the office. These include avoiding heavy lifting for 24 hours, staying well-hydrated, and using stool softeners to prevent straining. Some patients experience a dull ache or feeling of fullness for a day or two, which responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Hemorrhoid Banding in Houston?

Recovery from hemorrhoid banding is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

You may notice mild discomfort, a sensation of fullness, or slight bleeding for a few days after the procedure. These symptoms are normal and usually resolve without intervention. I recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed.

Studies comparing minimally invasive approaches show that office-based procedures like banding offer faster recovery than surgical options. You can usually return to work the same day, though I suggest avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 to 48 hours.

Serious complications are rare but can include severe pain, significant bleeding, or infection. I instruct all patients to call immediately if they develop fever, severe pain that doesn't respond to medication, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms require prompt evaluation.

In my practice, I've found that patients who follow aftercare instructions carefully experience smoother recoveries. Staying hydrated, eating high-fiber foods, and avoiding straining during bowel movements all support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.

How Does Hemorrhoid Banding Compare to Surgical Options?

Hemorrhoid banding offers distinct advantages over surgical hemorrhoidectomy for appropriate candidates. The main trade-off involves balancing immediate recovery against long-term recurrence rates.

Randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation to surgical approaches show that banding causes less immediate post-procedure pain and allows faster return to activities. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy typically requires one to two weeks of recovery, while banding patients resume normal routines within days.

However, multicenter studies demonstrate that surgical hemorrhoidectomy provides more definitive long-term symptom control for advanced hemorrhoids. Recurrence rates after banding range from 20-30% over several years, compared to lower recurrence after surgery.

I help Houston patients understand these trade-offs during consultation. For grade I-II hemorrhoids, banding offers excellent results with minimal disruption to daily life. For more advanced cases, we discuss whether the faster recovery of banding outweighs the potentially higher chance of needing retreatment.

My approach emphasizes matching the treatment to your specific situation. Factors like hemorrhoid grade, symptom severity, overall health, and personal preferences all influence which option makes sense.

Some patients prefer trying banding first, knowing they can pursue surgery later if symptoms return. Others with severe prolapse may benefit from surgical correction from the start.

If you're exploring your options for hemorrhoid relief, consider our specialized colorectal care and office hemorrhoid procedures. Our services are designed to provide evidence-based solutions tailored to your needs.

A Patient's Perspective

As a colorectal surgeon, I know that hearing from someone who's been through treatment can ease anxiety more than any clinical explanation.

One of my patients, Carolina, reached out to my office, unsure whether she needed a gastroenterologist or a surgeon. I responded personally, and we communicated back and forth to help her understand her options before her first visit.

"Actually, I emailed her office if my condition merits a gastroenterologist first or her. To my surprised, she answered readily and we were communicating back and forth as if we've known each other before. I wasn't expecting a reply at that very moment, so I told myself, that this doctor cares. She really does. She was very warm on my first visit and allayed my fears about my condition. It was nothing that I should worry about and so I went home with peace in my heart. Dr Belizaire is the doctor you should see and trust, very kind and explains well what's causing your problem. You'll feel very comfortable at your first meeting. Awesome doctor!"

— Carolina

This is one patient's experience; individual results may vary.

Carolina's story reflects what I aim for in every consultation: clear communication that reduces fear and helps patients feel confident about their care decisions.

If you're concerned about persistent symptoms like bowel incontinence along with hemorrhoids, ask about Axonics sacral neuromodulation for advanced treatment of fecal incontinence. This innovative therapy offers real hope for quality of life improvements in qualifying patients.

Conclusion

Hemorrhoid banding offers a practical solution for patients who want relief without the extended recovery of traditional surgery. In my Houston practice, I've seen this office-based approach help hundreds of patients return to their normal routines within days while effectively treating grade I-II hemorrhoids.

Research confirms that hemorrhoid banding delivers high-resolution rates with lower costs compared to more invasive procedures. The procedure takes just minutes, causes minimal discomfort, and allows most patients to resume work the same day.

If you're experiencing bleeding, prolapse, or discomfort from internal hemorrhoids, office-based treatment may be exactly what you need. Don't let fear of painful surgery keep you from finding relief. Whether you're in Midtown Houston, Upper Kirby, or the surrounding areas, I'm here to help.

Nearby facilities include Houston Methodist Hospital.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait. Schedule a same-day consultation to take the next step toward relief. Call our office at 832-979-5670 to request a prompt appointment. Not local? I also offer virtual second opinion case reviews at www.2ndscope.com — so no matter where you are, expert help is just a click away.

If you'd like to receive ongoing expert tips and news, subscribe to my colorectal health newsletter for the latest updates on office hemorrhoid procedures and more.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hemorrhoid banding hurt?

Most patients feel only mild pressure or cramping during hemorrhoid banding, not sharp pain. The procedure treats internal hemorrhoids above the dentate line, where nerve endings are less sensitive.

You may notice a dull ache or feeling of fullness for a day or two afterward, which responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The discomfort is typically much less than what patients expect.

How many banding sessions will I need?

Most patients need one to three sessions to achieve lasting relief. I typically treat one to two hemorrhoids per session to minimize discomfort and allow proper healing between treatments.

The exact number depends on how many hemorrhoids you have and their grade. Sessions are usually spaced two to four weeks apart, giving treated tissue time to heal before addressing additional areas.

Can hemorrhoids come back after banding?

Hemorrhoids can recur after banding in 20-30% of patients over several years. Studies show that office-based rubber band ligation provides effective symptom control for appropriate candidates, though surgical hemorrhoidectomy offers more definitive long-term results for advanced cases.

Maintaining healthy bowel habits, staying hydrated, eating high-fiber foods, and avoiding straining help reduce recurrence risk. If symptoms return, we can discuss retreatment options or alternative approaches based on your specific situation.

Where can I find hemorrhoid banding in Houston?

Dr. Ritha Belizaire at Houston Community Surgical provides physician-led evaluation and treatment for hemorrhoid banding in Houston. My practice focuses on clear answers, respectful care, and evidence-based options.

If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, scheduling a visit can help you understand the next steps.