Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You have had a procedure called banding of haemorrhoids (piles). This leads to a part of the haemorrhoid dying and falling away. The bowel lining then heals over a period of 2-3 weeks. It is an excellent treatment for haemorrhoids and most patients experience no problems following the procedure.
What are the possible after-effects of the procedure?
In the days following your procedure you may notice the passage of tiny bands with your motions. This is normal and is no cause for concern.
You may experience minor rectal bleeding. Again, this is no cause for concern and should gradually dry up.
However, when the band separates at around 10 days after the procedure, bleeding can recur. Further treatment may be necessary if the haemorrhoids were large and bleeding continues. In view of the risk of bleeding, we advise you not to fly long haul for 3 weeks after haemorrhoid banding as it would not be possible to get the necessary medical help on a plane.
You may also experience minor anal or rectal discomfort possibly caused by spasm, which can last 2 – 3 days. Simple medication for this such as paracetamol, cocodamol, codydramol, coproxamol, etc., may be taken.
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, etc., as these increase the likelihood of bleeding. However, low doses of aspirin (up to 75mg daily) for heart or circulation problems may be continued as normal. Soaking in a warm bath may also be helpful. If the discomfort is severe or worsens, please seek help by telephoning one of the numbers overleaf.
Avoid using applications or creams directly into the anus. You should also avoid strenuous exercise such as playing sport, jogging or riding a bicycle for a few days.
When to seek help after the test
Please do not hesitate to contact us during working hours from 9am-5pm, Monday – Sunday if you are worried about any symptoms you experience after this test. Please call the unit in which your procedure was done.
- Lady Sobell GI Unit or Endoscopy Suite, Wexham Park Hospital on 0300 615 4163
- Endoscopy Unit, Heatherwood Hospital on 0300 614 4020
- Endoscopy Unit, Frimley Park Hospital on 0300 613 6045
- For out of hours:
- Frimley Park: Surgical Assessment unit on 07990528061.
- Wexham Park: Ward 11 on 07826921319.
- If you have your procedure at Heatherwood, please contact either Wexham or Frimley Park depending on where you live.
Or please contact your GP, 111 or go to your nearest emergency department (A&E) if you have:
- increasing pain, with or without persistent abdominal swelling.
- fever, pain, pain under the rib cage or to shoulder tips.
- bloody or dark red blood in your motions that is recurrent or associated with dizziness or palpitations.
Please present your Endoscopy report to the attending Clinician in Emergency department.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/012
Approval date:
19 May 2024
Review date:
1 May 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.