Many patients come to me asking about band ligation — they’ve heard it’s a quick, no-surgery option for piles. That’s mostly true, but it’s not for everyone. In this article I’ll explain exactly what band ligation is, who it works for, what the procedure involves, and how it compares to laser surgery so you can make an informed decision.
📌 Medical Point
Band ligation works for internal hemorrhoids Grade 1–3 only. It does NOT work for external hemorrhoids, thrombosed piles, or Grade 4. If you have a painful external lump, laser or surgical excision is more appropriate. Symptoms guide: bawaseer ki alamat — 7 nishaniyan.
What Is Band Ligation — Aur Yeh Kaise Kaam Karta Hai?
Band ligation (rubber band ligation) is a clinic-based procedure where I place a very small rubber band around the base of an internal hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. Over 5–10 days the pile dries up and falls off naturally when you pass stool. No cut, no stitches, no hospital admission.
The whole procedure takes 5–10 minutes in my clinic. Most patients feel only mild pressure — not pain. You walk out the same day. For detailed background on grades: bawaseer grades aur causes.
Band Ligation vs Laser Surgery — Kaun Sa Option Aapke Liye Sahi Hai?
| Factor | Band Ligation | Laser Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Grade suitable | Grade 1–3 (internal only) | Grade 2–3 (internal + some external) |
| Procedure time | 5–10 mins | 20–30 mins |
| Anesthesia | None needed | Local / sedation |
| Cost (Karachi) | PKR 15,000–35,000 per session | PKR 100,000–150,000 |
| Multiple sessions? | Yes — 4–6 weeks apart | Usually one session |
| Recurrence rate | Moderate (20–30%) | Lower (10–15%) |
| Recovery | 1–2 days discomfort | 1–2 weeks |
| Hospital stay | None | Day care only |
Full treatment comparison: 9 treatment options ka muqabla. Band ligation deep dive: band ligation — kya yeh aapke liye sahi option hai.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Band Ligation?
I usually recommend band ligation when: you have bleeding during or after stool, there’s a small internal swelling that prolapses but goes back on its own, pain is mild or absent, and you want a quick clinic procedure without hospital admission.
Band ligation is NOT suitable if: you have external hemorrhoids, the pile is thrombosed (very painful hard lump), you’re on blood thinners, you have active infection around the anus, or your piles are Grade 4 (always prolapsed).
What to Do After Band Ligation — Recovery Tips
Recovery is straightforward. Drink 10–12 glasses of water daily and eat high-fibre foods — daal, sabziyan, papita, ispaghol. Avoid heavy lifting for one week. Don’t strain during stool. Mild discomfort and a feeling of pressure is normal for 1–2 days after the procedure.
Call me immediately if you have: heavy rectal bleeding, fever above 38°C, or severe pain that doesn’t settle. These are rare but need prompt attention. Full recovery guide: laser ke baad recovery — same principles apply.
🩺 Dr. Abdullah Iqbal Ki Rai
Band ligation is a good, cost-effective option for Grade 2 internal hemorrhoids — especially for patients who want to avoid surgery. But I always say: one procedure may not be enough. Multiple sessions 4–6 weeks apart are often needed. And if bleeding comes back after treatment, don’t wait — come back for re-evaluation. Recurrence is common if diet and lifestyle don’t change. Not every bleeding is piles — fissure, fistula, polyps, or even cancer can look similar. I always examine carefully before deciding on treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Band ligation mein dard hota hai?
Most patients feel mild pressure only — not pain — during the procedure. The day after there may be a dull ache or fullness sensation. This is normal and settles in 1–2 days.
Q: Kitne sessions lagte hain?
Usually 1–3 sessions, each 4–6 weeks apart. Depends on how many hemorrhoids need treatment and their size.
Q: Kya band ligation ke baad piles wapas aa sakti hain?
Yes — recurrence rate is around 20–30% over 5 years, higher than laser. Diet, water intake, and not straining significantly reduce recurrence risk. More on this: surgery ke baad bawaseer wapas kyun aati hai.
Q: Karachi mein band ligation ki cost kya hai?
At Karachi Piles Clinic, band ligation starts from PKR 15,000–35,000 per session depending on grade and number of bands needed. Laser surgery is PKR 100,000–150,000 but usually requires only one session.
If you’re not sure whether band ligation or laser is right for your case, book a consultation. I’ll examine you and give you an honest recommendation based on your grade and symptoms — not just what’s quickest or most expensive.
Written by Dr. Abdullah Iqbal – MBBS, FCPS (Surgery). General Surgeon and Laser Proctologist. Karachi Piles Clinic, Hill Park General Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
