Hemorrhoid Treatment
Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen blood vessels in and around the back passage that can cause bleeding, itching, discomfort or a lump. When lifestyle changes and creams are not enough, treatment is matched to severity: office or endoscopic procedures such as rubber-band ligation for smaller hemorrhoids, and surgical or laser removal (hemorrhoidectomy) for larger or persistent ones.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Many hemorrhoids improve with simple measures such as more fiber and fluids, not straining, and creams or ointments. When symptoms such as bleeding, discomfort or a persistent lump continue despite this, a specialist can offer a procedure. The choice depends on the size and grade of the hemorrhoids and your symptoms, and the aim is to relieve symptoms with the least invasive option that is likely to work.
For smaller internal hemorrhoids, office or endoscopic treatments such as rubber-band ligation place a small band at the base of the hemorrhoid so it shrinks and drops off over a few days. These are quick, usually need no anesthetic and allow a fast return to normal activity. For larger, external or persistent hemorrhoids, surgical or laser removal (hemorrhoidectomy) offers a more definitive result and is done under general or spinal anesthesia.
Because rectal bleeding can have other causes, a specialist first examines the area and, where appropriate, recommends a colonoscopy to rule out other conditions before treating. International patients are supported by a coordinator, and our specialists can review your reports remotely before you travel; you receive a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before arrival.
Who is a candidate?
- People with hemorrhoid symptoms such as bleeding, itching, discomfort or a lump that persist despite fiber, fluids and creams
- Smaller internal hemorrhoids suitable for office or endoscopic treatment such as rubber-band ligation
- Larger, external or recurrent hemorrhoids that may need surgical or laser removal
- Those in whom a specialist has confirmed the diagnosis and, where needed, ruled out other causes of bleeding
- Patients fit for the chosen procedure, confirmed by assessment when anesthesia is required
What happens
- 1
Assessment
A specialist takes your history and examines the area to confirm the diagnosis and grade the hemorrhoids. Because bleeding can have other causes, a colonoscopy may be advised first to rule out other conditions.
- 2
Preparation
Office procedures such as banding usually need little preparation. If surgical or laser removal is planned, you receive fasting instructions and a fitness check, as an anesthetic is used.
- 3
The procedure
For smaller hemorrhoids, rubber-band ligation or a similar office or endoscopic treatment is done in a few minutes, often without anesthetic. For larger or persistent hemorrhoids, surgical or laser removal is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
After banding you can usually return to normal activity quickly, with mild discomfort or a little bleeding for a few days. Recovery after surgical removal takes longer, often up to a few weeks, and the team advises on pain relief, bowel softeners and a follow-up review.
Benefits
- Treatment is matched to the size and severity of the hemorrhoids, from simple office procedures to definitive surgery
- Office and endoscopic options such as banding are quick, often need no anesthetic and allow a fast recovery
- Surgical or laser removal offers a more lasting result for larger or persistent hemorrhoids
- Assessment first rules out other causes of bleeding, so treatment is based on a clear diagnosis
- Lasting relief is more likely when procedures are combined with better bowel habits
Risks & considerations
- Pain or discomfort after treatment, usually greater and longer after surgical removal than after banding
- Bleeding, which is common for a short time and occasionally needs further attention
- Difficulty passing urine, or temporary difficulty controlling bowel movements, after some procedures
- Recurrence of hemorrhoids over time, particularly if straining and constipation continue
- Less common problems such as infection, or narrowing of the back passage after surgery
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Gastroenterology Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Hemorrhoid Treatment — frequently asked questions
No. Many hemorrhoids settle with more fiber and fluids, avoiding straining, and creams. When symptoms persist, smaller hemorrhoids can often be treated with quick office or endoscopic procedures such as rubber-band ligation. Surgical or laser removal is reserved for larger, external or persistent hemorrhoids, so treatment is matched to how severe yours are.
Banding is usually done in a few minutes and most people need no anesthetic. You may feel a dull ache, pressure or a sense of fullness for a day or two, and a little bleeding as the hemorrhoid shrinks and drops off. Stronger or lasting pain is not expected, and you should tell the team if it occurs.
Rectal bleeding is often from hemorrhoids, but it can have other causes. To be safe, a specialist examines the area and, depending on your age and symptoms, may recommend a colonoscopy to rule out other conditions before treating the hemorrhoids. This makes sure treatment is based on a clear diagnosis.
Office procedures such as banding are usually day cases, while surgical removal may involve a short stay; your coordinator confirms the timeline. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online, because each plan is individual and depends on the procedure you need.
Considering hemorrhoid treatment?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.