Vascular Interventional Physicians have introduced Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) to the Mid-South as a cutting-edge treatment for bleeding internal hemorrhoids. Our team of physicians specializes in solving complex medical problems without a scalpel through minimally invasive image-guided procedures. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can significantly affect quality of life, and we want to help you find a solution.

When Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization Might Be Right for You
We work in conjunction with other physicians, such as gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from intervention. Before proceeding with a procedure, we ensure that you have been optimized by conservative measures such as supplementation of water and fiber intake, bowel habit modification, topical medications, and rubber band ligation if indicated. Our goal is to identify patients in the middle ground between failing conservative measures and before surgery is required.

You may be a candidate for HAE if:

  • Your hemorrhoids are causing bleeding
  • You have tried non-invasive treatments that have not worked
  • You want to avoid surgery to treat your hemorrhoids

How Does It Work?
The arterial blood supply to the hemorrhoids is blocked by injecting small beads and/or metallic coils into the rectal artery branches supplying them. Recent updates in our medical literature have identified that internal hemorrhoids are more than just venous bleeding from engorged veins. They often have excessive arterial inflow into the vascular bed at the anorectal region. Our treatment actively blocks this ramped-up inflow to decrease bleeding from the hemorrhoids and minimize their associated symptoms.

What to Expect
Hemorrhoid artery embolization is an outpatient procedure that can be performed within our office-based lab. The procedure typically takes an average of one to two hours. Patients are comfortably sedated during the procedure. Patients are sent home the same day of the procedure. Most patients are able to return to work the day following the procedure with only mild restrictions in activity.

It is performed by accessing the arterial system at either the hip or the wrist. A tiny tube called a catheter is directed toward the arterial blood supply to the hemorrhoids under live x-ray (fluoroscopy). After confirming the proper location, the rectal artery supply is selectively blocked to stop the problem at the source.

Anticipated Outcomes
Greater than 90% of patients will have significant improvement in bleeding and hemorrhoid-related symptoms with excellent short and long-term results. Advantages of HAE compared to alternatives include no general anesthesia needed, no new peri-anal wounds or incisions, preserved continence, and minimal pain.

We would love the opportunity to meet with you in consultation at Vascular Interventional Physicians and help you decide if this is the right treatment for you. Please contact our clinic at 901.747.1007 or visit VIPdoc.com for more information.

By William Woodruff, MD