Rubber band ligation is a common office procedure for internal hemorrhoids.
Rubber band ligation is one of the most common office procedures used to treat internal hemorrhoids. It is a minimally invasive treatment designed to cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoidal tissue, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually fall off.
The procedure is typically used for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, especially when patients experience bleeding, prolapse, or irritation that does not improve with conservative treatment.
How Rubber Band Ligation Works
During the procedure, a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. This band stops blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue.
Within several days:
the hemorrhoid shrinks
the tissue dries out
the hemorrhoid falls off naturally
The remaining area heals with scar tissue, which helps prevent recurrence.
What Happens During the Procedure
Rubber band ligation is usually performed in a doctor’s office.
Steps typically include:
The patient lies comfortably on the examination table.
A small instrument called an anoscope is used to view the hemorrhoid.
A specialized device places a rubber band around the hemorrhoid base.
The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
Because internal hemorrhoids have few pain-sensitive nerves, the procedure is generally well tolerated without anesthesia.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Rubber band ligation is most effective for:
Grade I internal hemorrhoids
Grade II internal hemorrhoids
Some Grade III hemorrhoids
It may be recommended for patients experiencing:
rectal bleeding
prolapse during bowel movements
persistent hemorrhoid symptoms
Recovery After Rubber Band Ligation
Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Common temporary symptoms include:
mild pressure or discomfort
a feeling of fullness in the rectum
minor bleeding several days later
These symptoms typically resolve quickly.
Benefits of Rubber Band Ligation
Advantages include:
minimally invasive treatment
performed in the office
short recovery time
highly effective for internal hemorrhoids
Many patients experience significant symptom relief.
When Is Surgery Needed Instead?
Surgical procedures such as hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended if hemorrhoids are very large or if symptoms persist despite office treatments.
Learn what hemorrhoids look like including internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids. Understand when swelling, lumps, or bleeding may require medical evaluation.
Learn how hemorrhoids are treated including lifestyle changes, medications, office procedures, and surgery. Understand which hemorrhoid treatments work best.
Learn how to treat hemorrhoids at home using diet changes, fiber, sitz baths, and other remedies that can relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
Expert Colorectal Care
Expert Hemorrhoid Care in Phoenix
Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD is a board-certified colorectal surgeon specializing in the evaluation and treatment of hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions. She offers comprehensive care ranging from conservative management to office procedures such as hemorrhoid banding and advanced surgical treatments when necessary.
“Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from...Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time.The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort.”
Michelle Abby
★★★★★
“I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was...I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I.”
Lorena Zeilman
★★★★★
“Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific...Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Brianna Stabler
★★★★★
“Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met...Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you.”
Huda Albayati
★★★★★
“Dr. Aisha Akhtar is an amazing and caring doctor. She helped me so much throughout my treatment and made me feel comfortable and supported every...Dr. Aisha Akhtar is an amazing and caring doctor. She helped me so much throughout my treatment and made me feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. She is very knowledgeable, patient, and truly listens to her patients. I’m very grateful for her care and highly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent colorectal surgeon.”
Renee Wolf
★★★★★Jun 2, 2026
“The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I...The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam.”
Susan Denise
★★★★★May 29, 2026
“I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond...I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond lovely inside and out. I feel very blessed to be in her care!! There is no amount of stars that would be adequate enough to express how extraordinary she is!!!!”
Kathryn Hassett
★★★★★May 28, 2026
“Dr. Akhtar listens and cares about her patients, she is having new staff trained, please be patient. I have all the convenient she will ask help me.”
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Anonymous
★★★★★May 21, 2026
“Dr. Akhtar professionalism , knowledge, integrity and empathy are outstanding qualities! I could not have asked to be in the care of anyone...Dr. Akhtar professionalism , knowledge, integrity and empathy are outstanding qualities! I could not have asked to be in the care of anyone better than her. I highly recommended her!”
Michael Brown
★★★★★May 21, 2026
“Doctor Akhtar is very respectful and kind when dealing with difficult medical issues. I really appreciate her.”