Hemorrhoid Treatment
CRH Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Removal
This highly effective (99.1%), minimally invasive procedure is performed in our offices in less than a minute. We make recommendations to reduce the chance of recurrence later (currently 5% in 2 years). If there are multiple hemorrhoids, we treat them one at a time in separate visits.
During the brief and painless procedure, the physician places a small rubber band around the tissue just above the internal hemorrhoid where there are few pain-sensitive nerve endings. Unlike traditional banding techniques that use a metal-toothed clamp to grasp the tissue, we use a gentle suction device, reducing the risk of pain and bleeding. Advanced cases where the diagnosis is both internal and external hemorrhoids may require additional therapy as rubber banding alone may not be suitable.
This banding procedure works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off, typically within a day or so. You probably won’t even notice when this happens or be able to spot the rubber band in the toilet. Once the hemorrhoid is gone, the wound usually heals within one to five days.
During the first 24 hours, some patients may experience a feeling of fullness or a dull ache in the rectum. This can typically be relieved with an over-the-counter pain medication. However, a remarkable 99.1% of patients treated with our method have no post-procedure pain.
What to Expect?
The first appointment will typically consist of a consultation and physical exam. During the diagnosis you may receive a physical examination, anoscopy and/or proctoscopy which are visual examinations of the ano-rectal region. There is no need for anesthesia, fasting or other preparation. The CRH O’Regan System may not be appropriate for all patients. You and your physician will determine an appropriate treatment for your diagnosis during your examination.
If your diagnosis includes hemorrhoids, treatment may start immediately. In the event of multiple hemorrhoids, often the largest, most symptomatic hemorrhoid is banded first. Additional appointments are then scheduled to treat the remaining hemorrhoids at two week intervals with a final check-up two or more weeks after the last remaining hemorrhoid is banded.
After Care
Following hemorrhoid banding, we recommend normal activities as tolerated, except for heavy lifting, rigorous exercise or similar activities. You can resume full activity the next day. You can have normal bowel movements during this time, but you may want to soak in a sitz bath (a warm tub with a tablespoon of table salt added) or use a bidet for a gentler cleansing of the anal opening.
Soon you’ll be feeling much better, but you’ll need to make some changes to prevent future problems. Straining due to constipation should be diligently avoided, so be sure to drink seven or eight glasses of water a day and add 15 grams of fiber to your diet (two tablespoons of natural oat or wheat bran). Metamucil, Benefiber, flax or other soluble fiber may be helpful as well.
We also recommend that you not sit longer than two minutes on the toilet. If you can’t have a bowel movement in that time, come back later. This two-minute rule can help keep you from straining during bowel movements without realizing it. Finally, when traveling by air, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat fiber and walk around when you can.