Overview

Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) is an advanced, image-guided procedure designed to reduce blood flow to hemorrhoidal vessels.

Rather than surgically removing hemorrhoidal tissue, embolization treats the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids.

The result: a minimally invasive option for select patients with persistent or recurrent hemorrhoid symptoms.

How Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) Works

Using advanced imaging guidance:

1. A small catheter is inserted through a small access site
2. The catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the hemorrhoidal vessels
3. Tiny particles or coils are used to reduce excess blood flow
4. Pressure and vascular congestion may decrease over time

The procedure is targeted and performed without traditional hemorrhoid excision.

Benefits of Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)

For appropriate patients, embolization offers:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• No traditional surgical removal of hemorrhoids
• Outpatient procedure in many cases
• Potential reduction in bleeding and recurrent symptoms
• Shorter recovery than surgery for select patients

This approach may be especially useful for patients with refractory symptoms who want to avoid or are not ideal candidates for surgery.

What to Expect

Before the procedure:

• Review of symptoms and prior treatments
• Confirmation that hemorrhoids are the likely source of symptoms
• Coordination with referring physician
• Imaging or additional evaluation when appropriate
• Pre-procedure instructions

During the procedure:

• Catheter-based treatment through a small access site
• Advanced imaging used to guide the catheter
• Embolization performed to reduce hemorrhoidal blood flow
• Typically performed with sedation or local anesthesia

After the procedure:

• Same-day discharge in many cases
• Mild access-site soreness may occur
• Symptom improvement may develop gradually
• Follow-up is used to monitor bleeding and recurrence

Recovery Timeline

• Light activity often resumes within a few days
• Discomfort is usually limited compared with surgical approaches
• Bleeding symptoms may improve over time
• Follow-up helps assess response and need for additional care

Who is a Good Candidate

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have refractory hemorrhoid symptoms
• Experience recurrent bleeding
• Have not responded well to conservative or office-based treatment
• Want to avoid traditional surgery
• Have been appropriately evaluated to confirm the diagnosis

A consultation and review of prior evaluation are required to confirm eligibility.

Clinical Considerations

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) is performed by interventional radiologists with specialized training in image-guided embolization.

Not all hemorrhoids are appropriate for embolization, and rectal bleeding should be evaluated carefully before treatment. ELMNT IR works closely with referring providers to ensure appropriate patient selection and coordinated care.

How Embolization Compares to Surgery

Traditional hemorrhoid surgery removes hemorrhoidal tissue and may involve more discomfort and recovery.

Embolization offers a different approach: