Hemorrhoid Embolization

What should I know about hemorrhoid embolization?

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for internal hemorrhoids. During the procedure, the interventional radiologists at RIA Endovascular use catheters to inject embolic agents into the arteries that provide blood flow to the hemorrhoid, stopping the flow of blood and allowing the hemorrhoids to form blood clots and shrink. 

The team at RIA Endovascular performs hemorrhoid embolization at their state-of-the-art interventional radiology suite or at a nearby hospital. 

When should I consider hemorrhoid embolization?

RIA Endovascular performs hemorrhoid embolization to treat symptomatic grade I to III internal hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that form in the anus or lower rectum. 

Internal hemorrhoids develop in the lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids typically don’t cause pain, but they may bleed during a bowel movement. They may also prolapse or protrude outward through the anus. 

Doctors use a grading system to classify internal hemorrhoids to determine treatments. Classifications include:

• Grade I: Internal bleeding hemorrhoids
• Grade II: Prolapsed internal hemorrhoid that retracts on its own
• Grade III: Prolapsed internal hemorrhoid that doesn’t retract on its own

If you have bleeding or protruding internal hemorrhoids that fail to improve with at-home care, you may want to consider a hemorrhoid embolization at RIA Endovascular.

Is hemorrhoid embolization painful?

The team at RIA Endovascular administers a moderate sedative when performing hemorrhoid embolization so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, which can take up two hours.

Your provider makes an incision near an artery in the groin and inserts the catheter. Using fluoroscopic imaging, they guide the catheter to the blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoids and insert tiny coils to block the flow of blood. 

Your provider removes the catheter, closes the incision, and sends you to the recovery room for monitoring. Then they send you home.

How long is recovery from hemorrhoid embolization?

Your provider at RIA Endovascular customizes your at-home care instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Some people resume most of their usual activities the following day, but a full recovery can take up to a week.

You can expect improvements in your hemorrhoid symptoms within a few weeks.

Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids may require more than at-home care. Call RIA Endovascular today or book an appointment online to learn how hemorrhoid embolization can help you.