The University of South Alabama Digestive Health Center is the first in Alabama and Mississippi to offer a novel, minimally invasive procedure for patients suffering from hemorrhoids.
The highly effective procedure, which can be performed by a gastroenterologist in less than two minutes in an outpatient setting, quickly relieves symptoms and requires less recovery time.
Dr. Jack A. Di Palma, a gastroenterologist and professor of internal medicine at the USA College of Medicine, said the procedure is painless and does not require hospitalization. “The non surgical removal of hemorrhoids using the O’Regan Banding Technology produces better results than that of conventional surgery,” he said. “This is a novel way of treating a problem that affects more than half of the population at some point in their lives.”
During the procedure, the physician places a small rubber band around the tissue just above the internal hemorrhoid where there are few pain-sensitive nerve endings. Unlike traditional banding techniques, a gentle suction device is used, reducing the risk of pain and bleeding.
The banding procedure cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink and fall off, typically within a few days. Once the hemorrhoid is gone, the wound heals within a couple of weeks. If multiple hemorrhoids are present, they are usually treated at separate visits.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Most often, they occur after the age of 30. Common causes include constipation, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, heavy lifting, sitting for long periods and diarrhea.
The O’Regan Banding Technology is performed at the USA Digestive Health Center located at 5600 Girby Road in Mobile. For more information or to make an appointment, call (251) 660-5555.
