Preparation
What do I have to do prepare for a hemorrhoid ligation?
You will be seen in consultation by one of our experienced surgeons prior to your procedure day. You will be informed about the preparation and provided with detailed instructions at your consultation.
Can I continue with my regular medication schedule?
Your treating surgeon will inform you as to when you resume your regular medication schedule.
Can I drink alcohol the day before the test? Can I smoke?
We would recommend that you try to avoid drinking or smoking if possible.
Procedure
What happens during a hemorrhoid ligation?
A very small elastic ring is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid tissue in the anus. It is not used for external hemorrhoids. After a few days, the tissue dies and the elastic ring drops off. This reduces the size of the hemorrhoid and the bleeding associated with it.
Will I experience pain during a hemorrhoid ligation?
You may experience some minor discomfort during the procedure. You are offered sedation to decrease any pain. Many patients do not require sedation for hemorrhoid ligation.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid ligation to be performed?
A hemorrhoid ligation usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete. After the procedure, it usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you received sedation to recover adequately enough to leave the facility with adult accompaniment.
What are the benefits of having a hemorrhoid ligation performed?
This is a less invasive method of treating first and second degree hemorrhoids. More advanced hemorrhoids (third and fourth degree) usually require surgical removal. First and second degree hemorrhoids are the common types of hemorrhoids that cause bleeding and may protrude during a bowel movement and reduce spontaneously.
What are the risks of having a hemorrhoid ligation performed?
If the hemorrhoid is low lying, occasionally there may be pain after the procedure. Most patients have a sensation of a fullness in the anus because of the bands which is normal and not usually painful. Very rarely, the hemorrhoid may become infected.
Who performs the procedure?
Only surgeons who have received formal training in this procedure are allowed to perform endoscopy at GTA Endoscopy Services Inc. Our physicians all hold staff privileges at hospitals where they perform the same procedures on a regular basis.
If necessary, the sedation for the procedure is administered by anesthesiologists who have had formal training and hold staff privileges at hospitals where they perform the same services.
Is it safe to have a hemorrhoid ligation performed in an out of hospital facility?
Hemorrhoid ligation is a very safe, routine procedure. With appropriately selected patients, the risk is no different from having the procedure performed in a hospital setting. Patients who have serious medical issues are assessed and have their procedures performed in the hospital.
Sedation
What kind of sedation do you provide?
We provide what is known as neuroleptic sedation which involves using a benzodiazepine (similar to valium) and a strong painkiller (narcotic analgesic).
What does the sedation do?
The sedation will allow you to be relaxed during the procedure. Occasionally, some people fall asleep but this is not a general anesthetic. Most people do not remember what went on during the procedure because of the type of sedation used.
What are the alternatives to the sedation?
Many patients do not require sedation for hemorrhoid ligation.
What are the side effects of the sedation? How long does it last?
You may feel drowsy after the procedure but this usually wears off about 15-30 minutes. You may also have minor redness at the site of the IV insertion. A few patients have nausea which occasionally requires gravol.
Who administers the sedation?
The sedation for the procedure is administered by anesthesiologists who have had formal training and hold staff privileges at hospitals where they perform the same services.
Post-procedure
How long does it take me to recover following a hemorrhoid ligation?
If sedation was given, the recovery time is about 20-45 minutes depending on how quickly your body gets rid of the sedatives. You will be monitored until you are fully alert and are able to tolerate something to drink. Most people feel perfectly fine by the time they leave, however, however you may remain a bit drowsy for the next 4-6 hours. By the next morning, you will be feeling well enough to resume all of your normal activities at home or at work.
When can I eat and drink following my procedure?
You will usually get a small snack and a drink when you have recovered from the sedation. When you go home, you can resume your regular diet unless otherwise informed by your endoscopist.
When can I resume my regular medication schedule?
Most my medications can be resumed the following day. However, if you are on blood thinners, you may be asked to delay restarting them.
When can I drink alcohol following my procedure?
You can drink alcohol the next day.
When can I return to work?
You can go back to work the next day and perform your normal activities.
When can I resume driving?
If sedation was given, you can resume driving the next day.
What should I do if I am not feeling well after my procedure and I have gone home?
If you have the following symptoms (list as on discharge sheet), you should go to any hospital emergency room but preferably to Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital as most of our endoscopists and anesthesiologists are on active staff there.
Cancellation
What is your cancellation policy?
Please review our cancellation policy here.
General
How is the equipment cleaned?
The equipment is cleaned by certified sterile processing technicians. The equipment is cleaned in a two stage process involving manual cleaning followed by an automated process that performs high level disinfection of the endoscopes. Endoscopes cannot be sterilized because of the material they are made from. However, the high level disinfection ensures that the equipment will not cause you to get an infection.
What happens if I am sick on the day of my procedure?
If you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, you should call the clinic or your family doctor to determine whether or not it is safe for you to have your procedure performed. Rarely, some patients have vomiting and are unable to take the preparation. If this is the case, please call the clinic during working hours to inform us and we will advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
What happens if I have my period around the time of my procedure?
This does not prevent us from being able to perform a proper examination and should not be a reason to cancel your procedure.
Why do I need to have adult accompaniment for my transportation following my procedure?
During the procedure, you may receive sedatives which render you legally intoxicated for up to 8 hours. You are therefore not permitted to drive during that time and you must have an adult accompany you home. This is also why you should not go to work until the next day.
When should I arrive for my procedure?
You should arrive 30 minutes prior to your procedure time.
How much does parking cost?
Parking is free for the first hour and costs $1.50 for each additional half hour. We recommend that you have your ride check you in at the clinic and come back later on to pick you up. We will obtain a contact number for your ride and call them when you have recovered or if there is any need to contact them before.
Does my ride have to wait with me during the procedure?
Your ride does not need to wait with you during the procedure, however, your ride must leave a contact number where they can be reached.
How long should I expect to be at the clinic for a hemorrhoid ligation?
You should expect to be at the clinic for about two hours from the time of your arrival. Occasionally there may be delays because of other patients being treated but we make every attempt to minimize this.
What happens if I have a latex allergy?
You will be asked to identify any allergies that you may have. If you do have a latex allergy, we can safely perform your procedure as we are a latex-free facility.
Can I request a female surgeon and nursing team?
Yes, you can request a female surgeon and nursing team. However, we cannot guarantee that you will have a female anesthesiologist for the procedure.
What happens if I can’t find an adult to accompany me home after my procedure?
For your safety, we cannot perform any procedure which requires sedation without adult accompaniment. We will be happy to arrange the earliest possible time to have it done when you can arrange for an adult to accompany you. Please note that if the adult accompaniment cannot drive, you can take a taxi home with your adult accompaniment.
What if I don’t have OHIP coverage?
You will be advised of the cost of the procedure which is based on OMA rates and you may have additional costs for processing of pathology specimens.