A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area.
A 2.5 to 4 cm long canal connecting the rectum and anus.
The opening through which waste matter is excreted.
Closing off of a blood vessel using a clip, or, as in this case, a rubber band.
Hemorrhoid that has slipped down and is seen as a mass protruding from the anus.
The rectum connects the lower intestine to the anal canal. Transverse folds in the rectum help keep the waste matter (stool) in place until it is ready to be passed.
A hemorrhoid is an enlarged or swollen blood vessel, either located in the rectum, anal canal or extending from the anus. They may be painful, itchy and bleed. Although many hemorrhoids can be treated at home using stool softeners (Colace, etc.), bulk laxatives (Metamucil, Citrucel, etc.), and warm tub baths, many require further attention. You should always have rectal bleeding evaluated to ensure it is nothing serious.
A rubber band ligation may performed for prolapsed hemorrhoids. During this procedure, the physician puts a tight elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This procedure is done in the office and no anesthesia is needed. The hemorrhoid typically falls off by itself in 1 to 2 weeks.
In some cases, a series of ligations is needed to achieve results. Other cases may require a more extensive procedure is required.