Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) is a non-surgical alternative to traditional hemorrhoid treatment, such as hemorrhoidal dearterialization. The procedure offers long-lasting relief and has an exceptionally high success rate. It can be performed separately from or in conjunction with, a hemorrhoid banding procedure (typically performed by a gastrointestinal specialist).
Our team of specially trained interventional radiologists at Vascular & Interventional Partners in Scottsdale, AZ, performs hemorrhoidal artery embolization on an outpatient basis. As a nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment option, HAE comes with very low risks and requires minimal downtime. If you were diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids and are continuing to struggle despite more traditional treatment, HAE can help decrease future bleeding episodes and improve your quality of life.
What to Expect During Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization
Before your procedure, our team will look at your medical history and current health to help determine your candidacy for HAE. You will have the opportunity to meet with one of our interventional radiologists, who will discuss what to anticipate during every stage of the process.
Being minimally invasive, HAE is performed under local anesthesia and moderate sedation. During an HAE procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a small puncture in the upper leg to insert a thin catheter into an artery. Using real-time X-ray image guidance, they then guide this catheter to the affected area. Once the end of the catheter has reached the affected hemorrhoid, the radiologist releases tiny coils into the hemorrhoid to block blood flow to it and stop bleeding and pain.
Once the procedure is complete, the specialist removes the catheter and applies pressure to the puncture site to stop bleeding. The whole process takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Patients are discharged on the same day of the procedure and can resume work the following day in most cases.
How to Prepare
During one of your appointments at Vascular & Interventional Partners in Phoenix, AZ, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for this procedure.
Be ready to undergo routine preoperative testing in the weeks to days before your procedure, including blood work and CT angiography.
Usually, we ask patients to stop taking blood-thinning medication and supplements, like Aspirin, Warfarin, and vitamin E, for a couple of days before the procedure. This is to avoid uncontrolled bleeding at the puncture site. You may also be asked to avoid all food and drink the night before your procedure, although this isn't always necessary.
We also suggest having someone ready to drive you home upon your discharge.
Like most medical procedures, a hemorrhoid embolization comes with many benefits but also certain risks.
- As a non-surgical procedure, there is no need for incisions, stitches, and general anesthesia
- Recovery is quick, with most patients resuming normal day-to-day activity the next day
- Very low risk of infection and other complications
- Minimal blood loss and no pain
- Can be performed with complimentary treatments if needed
- Bruising or prolonged bleeding at the puncture site.
- Mild discomfort in the days following treatment
- The dye used for X-ray image guidance can cause kidney injury in patients with kidney disease
Learn More
At Vascular & Interventional Partners, we know that internal hemorrhoids can cause uncomfortable symptoms and bleeding and reduce a person's quality of life. To learn more about this procedure and find out if it's right for you, contact or call us today at (480) 435-9100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids often result from pressure in the rectum. Things that cause this pressure include constipation, chronic diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, and obesity.
Who is a good candidate for hemorrhoid embolization?
People with grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids and who have not found success with other treatments are ideal candidates for hemorrhoid embolization. It may also be an excellent alternative for patients who cannot undergo major surgery.
Who is not a good fit for hemorrhoid embolization?
People with severe internal hemorrhoids (grade 4), hemorrhoidal complications, and who have previously undergone colorectal surgery should not undergo hemorrhoid embolization. People with anal fissures and allergies to any of the materials used in this procedure are also not viable candidates.
How successful is hemorrhoid embolization?
Around 90 percent of hemorrhoid embolization procedures are carried out successfully without any complications. Around 80 percent of treated patients find that their symptoms improved following this treatment.