Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization cuts off the blood supply to a hemorrhoid to help you escape the pain, itching, and other intrusive symptoms. At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, Benjamin Wilson, DO, and John Yoo, MD, are board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists with highly specialized expertise in performing hemorrhoidal artery embolization. To learn more about this outpatient hemorrhoid treatment, call the Fort Worth, Texas, office now or book your consultation online.

What is hemorrhoidal artery embolization?

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is an interventional radiology treatment that disrupts the blood supply to internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids develop when arteries and veins in the rectum connect. Hemorrhoidal artery embolization closes off those abnormal links and stops the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

It plugs the blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoids. This keeps the hemorrhoids from growing, so it can stop bleeding (the main symptom of internal hemorrhoids).

Is hemorrhoidal artery embolization right for me? 

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is best suited to people who have grade one, two, or three internal hemorrhoids that bleed. This bleeding can appear:

• In your stool
• On toilet paper
• In the toilet bowl water

If you’ve already tried hygiene, diet changes, and medication but still experience significant internal hemorrhoid bleeding, hemorrhoidal artery embolization could be the treatment for you.

If you’ve undergone another hemorrhoid treatment in the past, like hemorrhoid banding, but your hemorrhoids returned, hemorrhoidal artery embolization could be a good choice.

How does the hemorrhoidal artery embolization process work?

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization requires a local anesthetic; you receive light sedatives as well. The procedure starts when your board-certified specialist creates a small puncture in your upper leg, groin, or wrist.

They use live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to move a slim tube (the catheter) to the hemorrhoid. They inject small particles and metallic coils through the catheter. They cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply.

Your provider could treat several arteries, as many hemorrhoids have a very rich blood supply. The procedure takes 45-60 minutes. After a period of observation, you can return home. Be sure to arrange for a driver.

How effective is hemorrhoidal artery embolization?

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is highly effective. In a study published by the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, hemorrhoidal artery embolization was a success for 93% of patients at their one-month follow-up appointment.

Patients experience a significant reduction in internal hemorrhoid bleeding, usually with the bleeding stopping completely.

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization offers significant relief for internal hemorrhoids without the risks of major surgery. If you’re experiencing internal hemorrhoid bleeding and want a solution that doesn’t involve surgery, call Vascular & Interventional Specialists to learn more today. Or click the online booking feature to make an appointment now.