Hemorrhoid Embolization has an Incredibly High Success Rate

Hemorrhoids are one of the most uncomfortable health problems to talk about openly, but there’s a good chance someone you know is in the same boat. By age 50, nearly half of all people have at least one hemorrhoid. 

You’re not alone, and you also have access to advanced treatments that neutralize your derriere disruption. 

Drs. John Yoo and Benjamin Wilson at Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, are proud to offer one such treatment: hemorrhoid embolization. Here’s a closer look.

How did I get a hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids (you may hear someone call them piles) are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They occur when severe pressure causes them to bulge and swell. This pressure stems from one or more of the following:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Being obese
• Being pregnant
• Having anal intercourse
• Not getting enough fiber
• Regularly lifting heavy items

Virtually anyone can get a hemorrhoid, but you’re most at risk as you get older because the tissues and veins in your rectum and anus weaken and stretch. 

There are three main types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and thrombosed. We deal primarily with internal hemorrhoids and treat them with a procedure called hemorrhoidal embolization. 

What is hemorrhoidal embolization?

Cutting off the blood supply to the internal hemorrhoid(s) is the goal of hemorrhoidal embolization.

We initially create a small opening in your upper leg, groin, or wrist. We numb the area with local anesthetic and often perform hemorrhoidal embolization under light sedatives. Rest assured, you won’t feel anything while we work. 

With the help of live X-ray imaging technology, we carefully guide a slim tube called a catheter to the hemorrhoid. Then, we inject tiny microspheres and metallic coils through the catheter, which cuts off the blood supply. 

You can expect the procedure to last 45-60 minutes, and after observation, you’re free to go home and rest comfortably. You should arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home, and we recommend having a few comfort items on hand, such as a hemorrhoid pillow. 

Does hemorrhoidal embolization work?

Hemorrhoidal embolization is incredibly effective. One study found that 93% of patients were hemorrhoid-free at their one-month follow-up appointment. 

Do I need to treat an internal hemorrhoid?

Because you can’t see or feel internal hemorrhoids, it’s easy to ignore or miss them entirely. Internal hemorrhoids also rarely cause discomfort. 

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about them. 

Internal hemorrhoids, though they fly under the radar, typically bleed when you have a bowel movement. In some cases, they push through your anal opening (prolapse), which can be very painful and irritating. 

Furthermore, untreated hemorrhoids can lead to other health complications, including anemia, blood clots, and incredibly painful strangulated hemorrhoids.

We recommend hemorrhoidal embolization when you have grade one, two, or three internal hemorrhoids that bleed. You’re also a candidate if you’ve tried hygiene, diet changes, and medication with no improvement or your hemorrhoids have returned after previous treatment. 

If you suspect you have a hemorrhoid that needs treatment, don’t wait another day. Call our friendly staff at 817-321-0951 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation with one of our experts and get more answers to your questions.