Hemorrhoid Banding: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Hemorrhoid Banding?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, or a colorectal surgeon, a surgeon who treats the colon and rectum, can perform hemorrhoid banding. Only a doctor should do this procedure, and you should never try it yourself. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen blood vessels. Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is one that has fallen through the anal opening. Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.
Why a doctor might recommend it
You can most often treat hemorrhoids at home. Home care includes eating foods that are high in fiber and not straining during bowel movements. Sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day can help relieve pain. If home care does not help, you may need a medical procedure. Banding is one of the common treatments that do not involve surgery.
How to prepare
- Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
- See your health care provider if you still have symptoms after 1 week of at-home treatment.
- You should also see your provider if you have bleeding from your rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but other conditions can also cause it.
What happens during it
A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. You will be awake for this type of treatment, but the area may be numbed.
Recovery
You should be able to go home on the same day. You can help prevent hemorrhoids by eating foods that are high in fiber. Not straining during bowel movements and not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time also help prevent them. If banding does not work or your hemorrhoids are large, you may need surgery to remove them.
Risks and side effects
Treatment does not always prevent hemorrhoids from coming back. Get medical care right away if you have severe anal pain and bleeding from your rectum, especially with belly pain, diarrhea, or fever. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop or fainting.
Who performs it
A gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon performs hemorrhoid banding. A doctor, most often a surgeon, may perform a hemorrhoidectomy. This is surgery to remove large external hemorrhoids and prolapsing internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.
Common questions
Can I band my own hemorrhoids at home?
No, only a doctor should perform this procedure, and you should never try it yourself. You can most often treat hemorrhoids at home with steps such as eating foods that are high in fiber.
How long does it take for a banded hemorrhoid to fall off?
The banded part of the hemorrhoid most often falls off within a week.
Can hemorrhoids come back after banding?
Yes, treatment does not always prevent hemorrhoids from coming back. Eating foods that are high in fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids.
Which hemorrhoids can banding treat?
Banding treats bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is one that has fallen through the anal opening.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment of Hemorrhoids
- MedlinePlus - Hemorrhoids
- NHS - Piles (haemorrhoids)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
