Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Experimental Strategies to Bridge Large Tissue Gaps in the Injured Spinal Cord after Acute and Chronic Lesion
Published on: April 5, 2016
Hemorrhoidal bleeding in chronic spinal cord injury: results of multiple banding
B C Cosman1, D A Eastman, I Perkash
1Spinal Cord Injury Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.
Insights
Hemorrhoidal bleeding is common in spinal cord injury (SCI). Banding procedures offer a safe and effective treatment, with most patients experiencing significant symptom reduction and finding the treatment worthwhile.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hemorrhoidal bleeding is a prevalent issue among individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Standard treatments may be complicated by altered sensation and autonomic dysfunction in SCI patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hemorrhoidal banding for managing bleeding in men with chronic SCI.
- To assess patient-reported outcomes following the banding procedure.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-seven hemorrhoidal banding procedures were performed on 62 men with chronic SCI.
- Banding targeted sites at or distal to the dentate line, often requiring multiple bands per session.
- Patient outcomes were assessed via questionnaire at a mean follow-up of one year.
Main Results:
- No major complications were reported during or after the banding procedures.
- Of the 60 subjects who completed the questionnaire (97% response rate), 73% reported significant bleeding reduction, and 20% reported some reduction.
- A majority of patients considered the procedure useful or worthwhile.
Conclusions:
- Hemorrhoidal banding is a safe and effective treatment for managing hemorrhoidal bleeding in patients with SCI.
- The procedure can be performed despite absent sensation, though autonomic hyper-reflexia is a consideration for high-level SCI.
- Multiple banding sessions are often necessary but well-tolerated.
Abstract:
Most patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have hemorrhoidal bleeding. 87 banding procedures were performed for bleeding on 62 men with chronic SCI. Multiple bands per session were routinely necessary. Bleeding sites at or distal to the dentate line were also banded. There were no major complications. An outcome questionnaire was completed by 60 subjects (97%). Mean follow-up was one year, minimum one-half year. 73% of patients reported significant reduction in bleeding post-banding, and 20% reported some reduction. A majority of patients felt the procedure was useful or worthwhile overall. Absent sensation allows banding of external hemorrhoids, although symptoms of autonomic hyper-reflexia may occur in patients with lesions at T6 or above. Multiple banding is a safe and effective treatment for hemorrhoidal bleeding in SCI.
Related Concept Videos
Vascular Spasm
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

