A New Way to Treat Hemorrhoids: What You Need to Know About Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)
Do you suffer from hemorrhoids? If so, you’re not alone. About one in 20 Americans and half of all adults over 50 will experience the symptoms of hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake. However, for severe, recurring, or unresponsive hemorrhoids, medical intervention may be necessary. Today, there is a new way to treat hemorrhoids.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, inflamed veins in the anus or rectum, somewhat similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure on the veins in the rectum, resulting in swelling. Causes of hemorrhoids can include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods on the toilet
- Chronic constipation or irregular bowel movements
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Low-fiber diet
- Heavy lifting
Depending on the type and severity of hemorrhoids, they can cause rectal bleeding, swelling, itching, irritation, or pain. Traditionally, a hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical solution for chronic hemorrhoids, but the recovery process is long and often uncomfortable or even painful, as well as carrying all the usual risks associated with surgery. However, it’s not your only option to treat chronic hemorrhoids.
A New Way to Treat Hemorrhoids: What is HAE?
Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic hemorrhoids without the need for surgery. This outpatient technique offers an alternative for individuals who have not responded to conservative treatments like diet changes, medications, or topical therapies.
The procedure begins with a small puncture in the upper thigh, through which a thin catheter is inserted. Guided by X-ray imaging, the catheter is carefully directed to the rectal artery supplying blood to the hemorrhoid. Once in place, tiny metal coils are released, cutting off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink gradually, causing symptoms to subside.
One of the major advantages of HAE is that it doesn’t require any surgical incisions or general anesthesia. This also means there is no external scarring. Patients are able to return home and resume their usual activities the same day. HAE has a 90% success rate in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic hemorrhoids.
HAE is recommended for patients with grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative treatment, or otherwise, patients who wish to avoid surgery. Talk to your doctor about HAE if you think it might be right for you.
Memphis Vascular Center offers Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization for chronic hemorrhoids. If you would like to learn more about HAE or schedule your appointment, please give us a call at 901-683-1890.