Hemorrhoid Embolization

Hemorrhoid embolization is a nonsurgical way to permanently relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. At Atlanta Embolization Centers, the dedicated multispecialty team of vascular and interventional radiology specialists offers minimally invasive hemorrhoid embolization in their state-of-the-art facility in Atlanta, Georgia. If your hemorrhoids are causing frustrating symptoms, call the office today or book your appointment online.

What is hemorrhoid embolization?

Hemorrhoid embolization is an innovative treatment for internal hemorrhoids (swollen veins inside the anal canal). Internal hemorrhoids are often painless. However, they do cause rectal bleeding and can lead to prolapse, in which the hemorrhoid pushes outside the anus.

The treatment disrupts the blood supply, “feeding” the hemorrhoid. This causes it to shrink and die. Hemorrhoid embolization stops the rectal bleeding and helps prevent hemorrhoids from prolapsing.

Who is a good candidate for hemorrhoid embolization?

You might need hemorrhoid embolization if you have symptomatic internal hemorrhoids and you’ve already tried other treatments without long-term success.

The first-line treatment for internal hemorrhoids is usually diet and lifestyle changes. If those don’t help, the next step could be a treatment like banding. Banding uses tiny rubber bands to cut off the hemorrhoid blood supply.

Other options, like sclerotherapy, use a chemical solution to shrink the hemorrhoids.

Unfortunately, those procedures have a roughly 50% recurrence rate. If you’ve tried those treatments and your hemorrhoids came back, embolization could be your next option.

Embolization offers long-term results and doesn’t require major surgery. Studies show it has a remarkable 93% success rate.

How does hemorrhoid embolization work?

When undergoing hemorrhoid embolization, you receive a local anesthetic and mild sedative to ensure your comfort. Your specialist creates a tiny puncture in either your groin or wrist. This provides access to your arteries.

They slide a thin, flexible tube into your artery and move it gradually to the site of your internal hemorrhoids. Your specialist uses live X-rays (fluoroscopy) to view everything on a monitor.

After reaching the affected spot, your specialist injects small plastic or gel particles, tiny metal coils, or a mixture of both into the arteries that feed the hemorrhoids. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. Over time, the hemorrhoid shrinks and dies.

What happens after hemorrhoid embolization?

After hemorrhoid embolization, you spend an hour or so in the recovery area. Typically, you can go home (with a driver) after that. Many people return to work the next day. The team gives you recovery instructions specific to your needs.

Hemorrhoid bleeding might stop quickly or take several days or weeks to resolve. Relief is typically long-lasting.

Hemorrhoid embolization is safe and effective and avoids major surgery. Call Atlanta Embolization Centers now or book your appointment online.