Staples

While similar to a hemorrhoidectomy, stapling borrows slightly from rubber band ligation. Instead of just cutting the hemorrhoids out, this procedure looks to clamp and isolate the problem area causing it to die and fall off. This is the treatment of choice for third-degree hemorrhoids: protruding hemorrhoids requiring persistent manual reduction. A tube is inserted into the anal canal to grant access and a suture is then looped around the base of the hemorrhoid and tied tight. Next, a circular, disposable stapler is sent up the tube and fired which clamps the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoid resulting in a loss of blood flow to that area. Within a week or so hemorrhoids will shrivel up, die and fall off.

While stapling is sometimes used for stage two hemorrhoids, it’s a much more popular choice for more serious cases where there is a danger of complete prolapse: a condition where the hemorrhoid falls completely out of the anus and can not be pushed back in. If you think you may qualify for this procedure, talk to your doctor to see if stapling is right for you.