If you’ve noticed rectal bleeding and have been diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, you're not alone. According to recent statistics, around 50% of all people will experience hemorrhoids by the age of 50.
While this condition can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and embarrassment, there are effective solutions available to you - one of which is Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization. If you're looking for a safe and effective way to treat your hemorrhoids with minimal downtime, keep reading to learn more!
Hemorrhoids are naturally occurring vascular structures that, in their normal state, are thought to help with stool continence by adding bulk to the anal canal. However, they can become problematic when they become enlarged or swollen.
People with hemorrhoids may experience a range of symptoms, including:
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, making it difficult for individuals to engage in normal activities such as sitting for long periods or exercising.
Aside from physical discomfort, hemorrhoids can also take a toll on a person's emotional well-being and relationships with others. It can cause feelings of embarrassment or shame, which may lead to social isolation or avoidance of situations that may exacerbate the condition.
But the worst part is that some people may avoid seeking the care they need because of the stigma attached to this condition.
Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, which leads to the stretching and swelling of veins around the anus. This pressure can come from a variety of sources, including:
Though a very common condition, untreated hemorrhoids can significantly impact a person's overall quality of life, affecting their health, relationships, sex life, and work performance.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat this painful condition - one of which is Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization.
Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats bleeding from internal hemorrhoids. This treatment involves the use of a small catheter and imaging technology to access the blood vessels in the rectum, releasing small coils to reduce blood flow.
Over time, this causes the hemorrhoids to shrink, and the bleeding stops.
This approach offers many benefits compared to traditional treatments like Hemorrhoidectomy, which can make for a lengthy and painful recovery.
Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a painless outpatient procedure that can be performed in our office. During treatment, a small puncture is made in the leg, where a catheter is guided to the network of blood vessels supplying the rectum. No large incisions are needed.
This procedure doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay, so patients can immediately return to their daily lives with minimal downtime. Compared to surgical techniques, recovery is quick because no incisions or stitches are involved. Only a small mark remains behind on the leg that can easily be covered with a bandage.
Most patients find immediate relief from their symptoms and report significantly less bleeding after treatment. Results are long-lasting and can be sustained for several months. Compared to more invasive options, this is accomplished with no major complications or side effects.
The physicians at Vascular & Interventional Partners are experts in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Our highly trained and board-certified team has the experience to provide symptom relief from internal hemorrhoids without significant surgery.
For years, we’ve been trusted by patients and providers in Arizona for advanced vascular and gastrointestinal interventions such as hemorrhoidal artery embolization. Just check out our patient testimonials!
Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia, so there’s no need for a ventilator or breathing tube. During treatment, your provider makes a small puncture hole in the leg to insert a catheter into the femoral artery. Then, using imaging technology, the catheter is guided to the rectum's blood vessels.
Internal hemorrhoids comprise a dense arteriovenous network called the corpus cavernosum recti (CCR), which is fed by branches of the superior rectal artery. Once in place, the catheter will slowly release coils that block some of these branches, reducing blood flow into the CCR and relieving symptoms like rectal bleeding.
While most hemorrhoids go away on their own with dietary and lifestyle changes, some can persist for longer - this might be due to underlying issues or diseases. When internal hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding require more extensive treatment, hemorrhoidal artery embolization can provide relief without surgery or significant downtime.
There are few complications or side effects associated with hemorrhoidal artery embolization. It causes no anal or rectal trauma, so the risks of bleeding or infection are much lower compared to more invasive procedures. If any side effects occur, they’re usually mild and will resolve independently without further treatment.
Recovery is also fast because there are no large incisions that need to heal and no stitches that need to be removed. In most cases, you should be able to resume your normal routine and go back to work the next day.
Following the procedure, over 90 percent of patients who undergo embolization experience significantly less bleeding from their hemorrhoids. These results last for several months after just one treatment, but your results may vary depending on the severity of your condition.
If you or someone you know is suffering from hemorrhoids, contact us today to learn more!
