Hemorrhoids Medical Procedure: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses endovascular techniques to dramatically reduce hemorrhoid symptoms.
While symptomatic hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they are nonetheless painful and distressing. When over-the-counter remedies and home treatments aren’t effective, medical interventions might be recommended.
There are numerous treatments for symptomatic internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid artery embolization, known medically as superior rectal artery embolization, is among the most effective for treating internal hemorrhoids.
What is hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE)?
HAE is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure for treating chronic internal hemorrhoids. This procedure alleviates symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort.
What does HAE involve?
During HAE, a narrow catheter is passed through an artery in the wrist or the groin and directed to the superior rectal artery, which supplies blood to the hemorrhoidal veins. Once the catheter is in position, tiny particles and coils are injected into the artery to obstruct the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. By doing so, the swollen hemorrhoids shrink, and symptoms are relieved.
Why is HAE a better alternative to traditional hemorrhoid removal?
HAE is a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical hemorrhoid treatments, such as hemorrhoidectomy. It offers several advantages, including a shorter recovery time, minimal post-procedural pain, and reduced risk of complications. Moreover, HAE can be performed on an outpatient basis, enabling patients to be discharged without needing a hospital stay.
This procedure usually takes place under local anesthesia, although sedation may be used to keep the patient comfortable. The duration of the procedure varies, but it usually takes around 45 minutes to complete. Following HAE, patients are advised to avoid activities that may strain the rectal area, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Who is a good candidate for HAE?
While HAE has shown promising results in treating chronic internal hemorrhoids, it is essential to understand that not all patients are eligible candidates for this procedure. Candidates for HAE include the following:
- Patients with chronic, symptomatic grades 1-3 internal hemorrhoids
- Patients who cannot or do not wish to undergo traditional surgery
- Patients who have not undergone colorectal surgery
- Patients who do not have allergies to embolic agents or contrast dyes
A thorough medical assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine whether HAE is the right treatment option for each case.
How do I prepare for HAE?
You will be given detailed pre-procedure instructions before your treatment. You will likely have to undergo diagnostic testing, including an endoscopic exam, to check for abnormalities and to visualize the internal hemorrhoids.
Are there alternative hemorrhoid medical procedures?
Other hemorrhoid removal procedures might be more appropriate if you are not a good candidate for HAE.
What is hemorrhoid surgery?
Hemorrhoid surgery, also known as hemorrhoidectomy, is a procedure performed to treat severe cases of hemorrhoids. Surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe or persistent grade 4 hemorrhoids.
During a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon removes the swollen blood vessels to provide relief from the symptoms and prevent further complications. The procedure is mainly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia may sometimes be used.
Surgical hemorrhoid removal typically involves considerable downtime and wound care. While success rates for hemorrhoidectomy are high, patients frequently experience significant post-procedure complications, typically pain and bleeding.
What is a hemorrhoid banding procedure?
Hemorrhoid banding ligation is a technique where a rubber band is tied around the hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. The hemorrhoidal tissues shrink and fall off after a few weeks.
While the procedure is proven effective, post-procedure complications can be severe. Some patients report significant pain and anal bleeding.
What is hemorrhoid sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a sclerotic solution into the area surrounding the hemorrhoids. The solution damages the blood vessels that supply blood to the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and the symptoms to diminish.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient treatment that is generally well tolerated by most patients. However, patients might have to undergo multiple treatments every few weeks.\
What is hemorrhoidopexy?
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a procedure where the hemorrhoid tissues are removed using a stapling tool. The procedure is not advised for prolapsed hemorrhoids, and the complication rate is similar to hemorrhoidectomy.
Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute: Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment in North Atlanta
Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute is a trusted medical facility specializing in effective hemorrhoid artery embolization for grades I-III internal hemorrhoid symptom reduction. Contact our compassionate team today to schedule a consultation if you think HAE is right for you.
