Minimally Invasive Procedures for Hemorrhoid Treatment: Rubber Band Ligation, Infrared Coagulation and Sclerotherapy

When you are having issues with hemorrhoids, Dr. Nsikak Umoh of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic in The Woodlands and Cypress TX, is board-certified in colorectal surgery and can help you with treatment options that are minimally invasive and help alleviate the pain or discomfort you are feeling.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a condition referring to swelling of veins either internally or externally that can cause pain and discomfort around your anal area. Swollen hemorrhoids can temporarily recede after about fourteen days, needing just rest and a comfortable way to sit. 

Internal hemorrhoids are "graded" from a one, which is minimal with no prolapse, to a grade four hemorrhoid that has prolapsed and won't move, causing additional pain. They are caused by straining during a bowel movement, strain from picking up heavy items, an unbalanced diet, or a persistent cough. 

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Treating Hemorrhoids

• Sclerotherapy - can treat grade 1 and and occasionally grade 2 hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy involves a chemical, usually quinine, polidocanol, and zinc chloride, being injected into the swollen blood vessels, causing them to seal off and stopping any additional bleeding.
• Banding - Dr. Umoh of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic in The Woodlands and Cypress, TX uses this procedure on grade 1,2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids. Banding involves cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid by putting a tight band around the area and eventually drying it out. This process is not painful, but it can feel uncomfortable. This procedure can only be accomplished on internal hemorrhoids as external hemorrhoids are too sensitive for banding.
• Infrared Coagulation Treatment -  Infrared coagulation treatment can be effective on internal hemorrhoids grade 1 and 2. Treatment can involve using infrared light to shrink internal hemorrhoids. Our doctor will also use an anoscope with an internal camera to see the few inches inside the anal canal needed to apply this therapy. A side effect of this type of treatment may include short-term discomfort.

Recovery Period for Treatment

As with all these procedures, you can go home the same day as your procedure and heal in a few days. Our doctor may discuss the prevention of future hemorrhoids by altering your diet to include more fiber, drinking more water, and using the bathroom when needed.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Dr. Umoh of Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic in The Woodlands and Cypress, TX is able to discuss your treatment options for hemorrhoids in our two locations, The Woodlands, TX, 832-479-2819 and Cypress, TX, 832-501-2790.