Hemorrhoid Embolization

Internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding and may be painful. If you develop this distressing problem, contact the experts at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, which has offices in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine, California. They specialize in virtually painless hemorrhoid embolization. Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group or schedule a consultation online today for fast, effective internal hemorrhoid embolization.

What does hemorrhoid embolization treat?

Hemorrhoid embolization treats internal hemorrhoids — swollen veins in your anal canal that sometimes protrude from the anus. They can cause pain and bleeding, especially during a bowel movement.

Even when internal hemorrhoids don’t cause pain, the embarrassment of rectal bleeding can interfere with your daily routine. If you do experience pain, it can be severe.

Internal hemorrhoids may get worse over time if you don’t receive treatment.

Why would I get internal hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids develop when your anal canal comes under stress. This increases pressure and causes anal and rectal veins to swell and become inflamed.

Hemorrhoids are most frequently caused by prolonged sitting or straining to expel a bowel movement, particularly if you have constipation (dry stools that are hard to pass).

Pelvic pressure can increase when you gain weight, so hemorrhoids are common after pregnancy. You could also develop hemorrhoids from straining to lift heavy objects.

Why should I choose embolization for internal hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) is a safe, proven way to get rid of internal hemorrhoids.

You have several choices for treating internal hemorrhoids. One is rubber band ligation, which involves wrapping a rubber band around the abnormal vein to cut off its blood supply. The vein then shrivels up and drops off. Another treatment is infrared coagulation, which uses light energy to block the vein.

You could also undergo a hemorrhoidectomy — surgery to remove troublesome hemorrhoids. However, this may cause pain, swelling, and heavy bleeding and requires 2-4 weeks of recovery time. There’s also the risk of anesthesia complications to consider.

Studies show that hemorrhoid embolization is as effective as surgery but with significantly less pain and downtime. 

How does hemorrhoid embolization work?

Hemorrhoid embolization blocks abnormal blood vessels to reduce pressure and eliminate bleeding.

Your provider makes a pin-size puncture on your inner thigh to access an artery. They insert a thin catheter (flexible tube) using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) to reach the rectal artery. Your provider puts small coils, microscopic particles, or both into the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid embolization is painless and takes about 45 minutes. You can go home after treatment and some patients experience mild rectal discofort which is usually managed with over the counter pain medications. About 80% of paptients have significant improveent in symptoms over the next few weeks and the hemorrhoids shrink.

Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group or book an appointment online today to learn more about hemorrhoid embolization.