Haemorrhoid Banding
Haemorrhoid banding is a gentle, non-surgical treatment used to remove internal haemorrhoids (piles). It’s a highly effective option for people whose haemorrhoids cause bleeding, discomfort, or itching, and haven’t improved with creams or lifestyle changes.
What is haemorrhoid banding?
Haemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is a simple outpatient procedure that treats internal haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen veins in or around the back passage (rectum). They can cause symptoms such as itching, bleeding, discomfort, and prolapse (bulging out of the anus). If creams, suppositories, or dietary changes haven’t helped, banding is an effective way to improve symptoms.
During haemorrhoid banding, your consultant places a tiny elastic band around the base of the haemorrhoid. The band cuts off its blood supply, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off naturally within a few days. Because the bands are placed above the area that contains pain-sensitive nerves, most people experience only a feeling of fullness or mild pressure, rather than pain.
At Welbeck, our colorectal specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of haemorrhoids. You’ll receive your care in our Surgery Centre, where our consultants use state-of-the-art facilities and the latest minimally invasive techniques to make your treatment as comfortable as possible, and your recovery smooth and quick. As part of your care, we also provide clear aftercare advice to help you maintain long-term bowel health — including guidance on diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes to reduce the chance of haemorrhoids returning and to support lasting symptom relief.
More information
You’ll first meet with your consultant to discuss your symptoms and confirm that banding is the right option for you. Haemorrhoid banding is usually carried out without using any local anaesthetic, as the bands are applied in an area where there are no sensory nerve endings. You might feel a brief sensation of pressure or fullness, but the procedure should not be painful. If you’d prefer to have the procedure using a local anaesthetic or sedation, let your consultant know beforehand.
During the procedure:
You’ll lie comfortably on your side while your consultant examines the area using a small scope called a proctoscope.
1 or 2 small elastic bands are gently placed around the base of the haemorrhoid using a special instrument called a ligator.
The bands tighten to restrict blood flow to the haemorrhoid.
The procedure usually only takes around 5 to 10 minutes, and you can go home shortly afterwards. You may feel a sensation of fullness or the need to open your bowels for a few hours after treatment — this is completely normal.
If you have multiple haemorrhoids, your consultant may treat them in separate appointments to ensure your comfort.
Haemorrhoid banding is very safe, but like any procedure, it carries some small risks.
Risks include:
mild pain or discomfort for a few days
a feeling of fullness or pressure in the back passage
slight bleeding or spotting when the banded tissue falls away (usually within 7 to 10 days)
temporary urgency to open your bowels
In rare cases, risks of haemorrhoid banding include:
infection
heavy bleeding
If you notice heavy bleeding — more than a cupful (around 200 ml) in 24 hours — or develop severe pain, fever, or chills, you should get in touch or go to your nearest A&E department.
Your consultant will explain how to prepare for your appointment. In most cases, there’s no need to fast or use laxatives beforehand.
You should:
eat and drink as normal before your procedure
take any regular medication, unless advised otherwise
Most patients can resume normal activities straight away, but you should avoid strenuous exercise, and you may wish to rest for the remainder of the day.
After the procedure, it’s common to notice:
mild discomfort or fullness for 24 to 48 hours
light bleeding or spotting for up to 10 days (as the haemorrhoid tissue falls away)
You can take paracetamol for discomfort, but avoid aspirin unless advised by your consultant, as this can increase bleeding.
To help with healing and prevent recurrence:
drink plenty of fluids
eat a high-fibre diet (fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains)
avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods
use wet wipes rather than dry toilet paper for a few days
continue to take any prescribed stool softeners to avoid straining
If you feel the urge to open your bowels but can’t, try to relax and avoid pushing — this sensation is temporary and usually settles within 2 days.
Pricing for haemorrhoid banding starts at £310. Please contact our Digestive Health centre for more information.
At Welbeck, our colorectal surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book haemorrhoid banding, you must be referred by either your GP or a colorectal specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a colorectal specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Mr David JamesConsultant General Surgeon
Professor Long JiaoProfessor of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon in Hepatopancreaticobiliary & General Surgery
Ms Sarah MillsConsultant Colorectal Surgeon
Mr Chris NicolayConsultant Colorectal & General Surgeon
Professor Hemant KocherConsultant General and HPB Surgeon
Mr James KinrossConsultant Colorectal Surgeon- Mr Alex LeoConsultant General Surgeon
Professor Sanjay PurkayasthaConsultant General Surgeon- Mr Oliver JonesConsultant Colorectal and General Surgeon
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Frequently asked questions
Both haemorrhoid banding and the Rafaelo procedure are minimally invasive treatments for internal haemorrhoids, but they work in different ways. Haemorrhoid banding uses tiny rubber bands to cut off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall away naturally, while the Rafaelo procedure uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and shrink the tissue from within. Banding is a well-established, traditional treatment, whereas Rafaelo is a newer technique that can be particularly effective for larger or more complex haemorrhoids. Both are carried out as quick day procedures and only cause mild, short-lived discomfort. Your consultant will recommend the most suitable option based on the size and grade of your haemorrhoids, your symptoms, and your personal preference.
You probably won’t notice much when the haemorrhoids shrink and fall away, as this happens naturally and painlessly within about 7 to 10 days after the procedure. You may see a small amount of blood when this occurs — this is normal and short-lived. Most people simply notice that their symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, or discomfort, start to improve.
You may feel a slight sense of pressure or the urge to open your bowels for a few hours after the procedure, but you won’t feel the band itself. This sensation settles quickly as your body adjusts.
Banding provides long-lasting relief for most people, but haemorrhoids can recur if constipation or straining continues. Eating a high-fibre diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet can help prevent them from returning. As part of your care, your consultant will provide clear aftercare advice to help you maintain long-term bowel health.