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$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What is the "Rubber-band Technique" for Curing Hemorrhoids?}
$Subject{anus hemorrhoid treatment}
$Volume{I-13}
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Figure 2*0004202.scf
Figure 4*0004204.scf
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Figure 6*0004206.scf
Figure 7*0004207.scf
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Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the "Rubber-band Technique" for Curing Hemorrhoids?


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QUESTION:  I suffer from severe hemorrhoids and have tried all of the creams
and lotions to no avail.  My physician tells me that my hemorrhoids can be
cured by using a rubber-band technique, but I don't understand what he means.
Have you ever heard of this procedure?

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ANSWER:  Yes I have and it is an acceptable manner of treating certain types
of hemorrhoids.
     Hemorrhoids are actually swollen veins, very much like varicose veins,
but that are located around the anus or rectal area.  They are classified into
four degrees of severity.  In the first degree, they remain internal, but
occasionally bleed and this blood can be observed after straining bowel
movements.  The physician diagnoses the situation by using a small instrument
called an anascope to look inside of the rectum and observe the hemorrhoids
directly.
     Second degree hemorrhoids protrude out of the anus when you strain during
bowel movements, but retract back inside after the straining is stopped.  In
third degree hemorrhoids, the internal hemorrhoids remain outside, even after
the straining has been stopped, and must be pushed back inside either using an
instrument or fingers.  In the most serious type of hemorrhoids, fourth
degree, these internal hemorrhoids remain fixed on the outside and the
treatment for such hemorrhoids is the surgical removal of these veins.
Elastic-band ligation, which you have termed "a rubber-band technique" is
useful to treat third degree hemorrhoids.  The physician will use a special
instrument called a ligator and encircle the hemorrhoids snugly with an
elastic-band.  This stops the circulation into the hemorrhoid and, in effect,
solves the problem.
     I must emphasize that all these procedures are used for internal
hemorrhoids.  External hemorrhoids, which may be small and without symptoms,
are generally of little concern, but the various degrees of internal
hemorrhoids require appropriate treatment that corresponds with their
severity.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
