Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is the best treatment for internal hemorrhoids when you want to avoid surgery.
This minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment is specifically designed for patients with grade 2 to 3 internal hemorrhoids and is now available at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute.
Below, we explain what to expect during and after this non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment that's changing lives across Georgia..
HAE is a minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment that provides targeted relief. Performed through small incisions, the procedure is much less invasive than surgical treatments. And, because it is a targeted treatment focused on the arteries that supply blood flow to your hemorrhoids, it comes with a lower risk of side effects and complications.
As the premier minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment in Georgia, HAE targets the root cause of hemorrhoids rather than just addressing symptoms. This medical procedure treats hemorrhoids by cutting off their blood supply. To achieve this goal, our interventional radiologists insert a catheter into a blood vessel so it can be guided to the arteries that supply your hemorrhoids. Next, we use that catheter to deposit embolizing materials that block blood flow, beginning a process that causes your hemorrhoids to shrink over time.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive, highly targeted treatment that stands apart from more traditional options like surgery, banding, or infrared coagulation.
Surgical hemorrhoid removal physically cuts out the hemorrhoids, often impacting the surrounding tissue and leading to longer, more painful recovery times. In contrast, HAE works by precisely blocking the arteries that supply blood to the hemorrhoids, without cutting or direct contact with the hemorrhoid itself.
Banding, or rubber band ligation, treats hemorrhoids by cutting off their blood supply, but it’s less targeted. The bands are placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, which can affect the surrounding tissue and may cause discomfort.
Infrared coagulation uses heat to shrink hemorrhoids, but it’s also less precise and slightly more invasive than HAE, since it works externally rather than inside the arteries.
Unlike traditional hemorrhoid surgery, which can require weeks of painful recovery, HAE at Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute allows most patients to return to normal activities within just a few days.
HAE is the best treatment for internal hemorrhoids when patients experience chronic symptoms like bleeding and wish to avoid surgery.
This treatment works best for grade 2 to 3 internal hemorrhoids. Patients with grade 4 hemorrhoids may not be able to find relief from hemorrhoid treatment without surgery. You can further explore your own candidacy for this procedure by answering these HAE screening questions.
HAE is intended to treat symptomatic patients who have not responded to less invasive treatment options (e.g., lifestyle measures or medications).
Hemorrhoid artery embolization may be a better choice than hemorrhoid surgery when targeting internal hemorrhoids. It is also the preferred option for those who are not medically cleared for surgery, or for those who wish to avoid invasive procedures and overnight hospital stays.
Hemorrhoids are not typically dangerous. However, some symptoms could indicate it’s time to seek medical intervention. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience one or more of the following:
Many patients choose HAE for its minimally invasive nature, allowing them to avoid overnight hospital stays and extended recovery periods. The procedure also comes with a lower risk of side effects and complications when compared to traditional surgery and is typically a more cost-effective treatment option.
Hemorrhoid artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids by blocking their blood supply. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink, improving symptoms and reducing concerns such as prolapse or bleeding. While it’s less invasive than surgery, some preparation will still be required before your treatment, as well as some post-procedure care instructions to follow.
If you are considering hemorrhoid artery embolization, your treatment journey will begin with a consultation at one of our three Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute locations.
During your initial consultation, you will be asked about your complete medical history, including any medications you may be taking. Prior to undergoing HAE, you may need to adjust medications, especially if you’re taking blood thinners.
We may also order imaging or diagnostic tests to confirm your candidacy for the procedure.
On the evening before your procedure, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. We will review which medications you may or may not take prior to undergoing HAE. You may also need to undergo bowel preparation, but you will receive separate instructions if that is necessary.
On the day of the procedure, you will arrive and meet with your interventional radiologist and anesthesiologist. While your HAE does not require general anesthesia, you may be under sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
During the procedure, our interventional radiologist uses X-ray guidance to direct a catheter to the arteries supplying your hemorrhoids with blood. Embolic material is then injected into the catheter to block blood flow through the arteries and into your hemorrhoids.
Starved of blood, the hemorrhoids continue to shrink in the weeks following HAE.
When you undergo HAE at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, you will receive IV sedation instead of general anesthesia. We will insert your catheter through a small access point in your wrist, and you can expect the entire procedure to last between 30 and 45 minutes.
While not everyone is a candidate for hemorrhoid artery embolization, patients who undergo HAE instead of surgery will enjoy a shorter recovery period with less discomfort. They can also avoid the costs of general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays. And they will find relief from internal hemorrhoids without many of the complications and side effects associated with traditional surgical procedures for hemorrhoids.
Patients will go home on the same day as their procedure, without the need for nursing care or specialized medical instructions. Mild discomfort may be present but can typically be managed with topical medication. Most patients will resume normal activities within a few days of their procedure.
You will go home on the same day as your procedure, but you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 48 hours. You can resume normal activities within a few days of your procedure, and any discomfort should completely resolve within a few days.
During the first two weeks following your procedure, you will begin to notice some hemorrhoid symptom improvement, with dramatic improvements becoming apparent in the two to six week period following hemorrhoid artery embolization.
Following HAE, some patients report mild irritation around the rectal area. You may also experience an urge to pass a bowel movement. Typically, we treat the discomfort with topical lidocaine cream. Symptoms should resolve in just a few days.
As stated, most patients will return to work within a few days of their procedure. You will not have restrictions on physical activities after two days.
This procedure is generally considered safe. The potential risks are relatively low, and side effects are typically mild, resolving on their own within several days.
Common complications include mild discomfort at the catheter injection site and several days of discomfort surrounding the rectal area. Rarely, patients may experience an allergic reaction to the material used during the procedure.
Compared to surgery, HAE is much safer and carries no risk of rectal trauma or side effects such as anal incontinence. The procedure is highly effective and delivers lasting results without the extended recovery period associated with surgical treatment.
Following hemorrhoid artery embolization, patients should experience lasting relief from hemorrhoidal symptoms. However, lifestyle adjustments may be necessary to prevent new hemorrhoidal tissue from forming.
For 95% of patients, HAE delivers relief from hemorrhoids. As the procedure is a relatively new non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment, extensive follow-up data is not yet available, but current data show the effects last for at least one year.
To reduce your risk for hemorrhoid recurrence, try to adjust your diet and lifestyle, including:
Just reach out to our team to make your appointment.
We’ll discuss your candidacy when we see you in one of our three locations in Georgia.
Atlanta
3225 Cumberland Blvd. Southeast, Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30339
Stockbridge
1035 Southcrest Dr., Suite 220 + 250
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Tucker
1975 Lakeside Pkwy., Suite 300
Tucker, GA 30084
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