Banding of Haemorrhoids (Piles) – Outpatients (Discharge Advice)

You have had a banding of haemorrhoids (piles) procedure. This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any questions when you go home.

How will I feel when I get home?

You may have some discomfort for 1 to 7 days after this procedure.

This can be relieved by having a warm bath and taking painkillers, such as paracetamol. Do not take painkillers containing codeine as these can cause constipation.

You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your tablets.

You should contact your GP if you have:

• increased pain

• bleeding or discharge from your rectum (back passage)

• difficulty passing urine

• swelling in your rectum

If you have an urgent problem the night after your procedure, you can contact the Emergency Department (ED) at your local hospital for advice.

What does the procedure involve?

One or more haemorrhoids will have been banded (a special rubber band placed round the base of your haemorrhoid) during your procedure.

Over the next 3 to 10 days, the blood supply to the haemorrhoid will be reduced so that it will shrink and fall away. 

When the haemorrhoid falls away you will have a small wound near your anus (opening of your back passage) or inside your rectum, depending on whether your haemorrhoids were internal or external.

The area does not need a dressing.

It is important to keep the area clean by bathing once or twice a day and by washing the area after having your bowels opened (pooing). You should not add any products, such bath foam or oils to your bath water.

Can I eat and drink normally?

You can eat and drink as normal, but it is important that you do not become constipated, which will make you need to strain to have your bowels opened.

So that you don’t become constipated, it is important that you include foods high in fibre in your diet, such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals (Weetabix, Shredded Wheat or Bran Flakes).

It is also important that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. You should also eat more fruit and vegetables.

What will happen when I go to the toilet?

You will probably have your first bowel motion about 2 days after your haemorrhoid banding.  It may feel quiet tender as you open your bowels and there may be a little bleeding.

Try not to force the motion. It is important to clean the area by washing after having your bowels opened.

What happens to the rubber band?

You may notice some of the bands being passed in your stool (poo) and sometimes a small amount of bleeding may occur as a band is passed. This is nothing to worry about.

When can I return to my normal activities and work?

You can usually return to all your normal activities and work straight away, or as soon as you feel well enough.

When can I have sex again?

You may have sex as soon as you feel comfortable to do so.

Will I need to return to the hospital?

Your Nurse will tell you if you need to be seen again in the Outpatient Department. If you do need to be seen again, we will ask you to make an appointment before you go home. If you have any worries, please contact the Outpatient Department or your GP.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice or if you have any problems, please contact the appropriate Outpatient Department at either:

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01642 617617

Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Day Case Unit

Telephone: 01642 624168

Opening hours: 9:00am to 10:30pm (Monday to Thursday), 9:00am to 9:00pm (Friday)

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01429 522580

Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Day Case Unit

Telephone: 01429 522259

Opening hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm (Monday to Thursday), 9:00am to 5:00pm (Friday)

Surgical Decisions Unit

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 01642 624566

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]