Hemorrhoid (Piles) Embolization
A minimally invasive alternative to hemorrhoid surgery
What are Hemorrhoids (Piles)?
Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
Hemorrhoids are common and often result from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, or aging.
What is Hemorrhoid Embolization?
Hemorrhoid embolization, also known as hemorrhoidal artery embolization or transarterial hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids by reducing the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing them to shrink.
Procedure Details
Pre-Procedure
A thorough evaluation by a colorectal specialist or interventional radiologist is done to assess the severity of hemorrhoids and discuss the suitability of embolization. Imaging studies, such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography, may be performed to visualize the hemorrhoidal arteries.
During the Procedure
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia may also be used. A small incision is made in the groin or wrist to access a blood vessel, usually the femoral or radial artery.
A catheter is guided through the artery to the superior rectal artery, which supplies blood to the hemorrhoidal tissue. Tiny particles (embolic agents) are injected through the catheter to block the blood flow to the hemorrhoids. The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours.
Post-Procedure
Patients may experience mild discomfort or pain at the site of the embolization. Recovery is typically quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the success of the treatment and to ensure proper healing.
Benefits of Hemorrhoid Embolization
Minimally Invasive
No surgical incision is made, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for quicker recovery.
Symptom Relief
Effective in reducing pain, bleeding, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Low Recurrence Rate
The procedure offers long-term relief with a low likelihood of hemorrhoid recurrence.
Quick Recovery
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days compared to weeks with traditional surgery.
Risks and Considerations
- •Post-Procedure Pain: Some patients may experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort following the procedure, which can be managed with pain relievers.
- •Bleeding: There may be a small risk of bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site.
- •Incomplete Treatment: In some cases, additional procedures may be needed if the embolization does not fully resolve the symptoms.
- •Rare Complications: As with any embolization procedure, there is a very small risk of non-target embolization, which could affect other tissues or organs.
Who is a Candidate for Hemorrhoid Embolization?
- ✓Patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids who have not responded to conservative treatments such as dietary changes, topical medications, or minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation
- ✓Patients who wish to avoid traditional hemorrhoidectomy surgery due to its associated pain and longer recovery time
- ✓Patients with medical conditions that make them poor candidates for surgery
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up visits are needed to monitor healing and ensure that symptoms are resolved. Patients are usually advised to maintain a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and avoid straining during bowel movements to prevent recurrence.
Hemorrhoid embolization offers a promising alternative to traditional surgical treatments, providing effective symptom relief with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Get Relief from Hemorrhoids
Schedule a consultation to see if embolization is right for you.
Quick Facts
Procedure Time
1-2 hours
Recovery Time
Few days
Success Rate
80-90% symptom relief
Hospital Stay
Typically outpatient