Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

Overview

Overview

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum that can cause painless but frequent rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Over time, these hemorrhoids can enlarge, bleed more often, and significantly affect your quality of life.

Symptoms may include:

• Bright red blood in the toilet or on toilet paper
• Mucus discharge or rectal fullness
• Prolapse (hemorrhoid tissue pushing outside the anus)
• Discomfort, itching, or pressure

If dietary changes, fiber, creams, or rubber band ligation hasn’t resolved the problem—and you want to avoid surgery—Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) can offer a non-surgical treatment alternative.

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

HAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that shrinks hemorrhoids by blocking the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids. This reduces swelling, bleeding, and pressure—without removing tissue or cutting into the rectum with effectively no recovery time.

The procedure specifically targets the rectal arteries, which feed the internal hemorrhoidal cushions. By safely limiting their blood flow, HAE allows the hemorrhoids to shrink and heal naturally.

Benefits of Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization

Benefits of Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization

• Minimally invasive – No cutting, stapling, banding or stitches
• Preserves anal anatomy – Unlike surgery, it avoids damage to muscles or tissue
• Quick recovery – Most return to daily activities in 24–48 hours with less pain than surgery
• Reduced bleeding – Often noticeable within days
• Performed without general anesthesia
• Outpatient treatment – No hospital stay required

HAE is ideal for patients with chronic or recurrent rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids that haven’t responded to conservative treatments and for patients who want to avoid surgery.

Why Choose Advanced Vascular Centers?

Why Choose Advanced Vascular Centers?

• Board-certified vascular & interventional specialists
• Expertise in minimally invasive treatments
• State-of-the-art imaging and outpatient care
• Collaborative care with gastroenterologists and surgeons
• Patient-centered focus on comfort, dignity, and long lasting results

Patient Flow

Patient Flow

At Advanced Vascular Centers, hemorrhoid artery embolization is performed by expert interventionalists, below you can find information on the individual steps we take for each patient. 

1. Pre-procedural consultation

As a patient, you will meet with the doctor beforehand and we review your symptoms, exam findings, prior medical record, and prior imaging (MRI or CT) to confirm your diagnosis. We discuss your case in depth and make sure you have a complete understanding of the procedure.

2. Procedure day

• Check in – One to two hours beforehand to prepare and for a medical history review.
• Numbing medication – Local numbing medication is given at the access site at the groin.  A mild relaxing medication can be given to make you comfortable as well. A nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure as a precaution while our doctor is performing the procedure. 
• Access – A tiny IV (needle) accesses the blood vessel and a catheter is inserted and guided into the arteries supplying the hemorrhoid(s).
• Treatment – Once the catheter is in the correct position a small coil (spring) is placed to block the blood from filling the hemorrhoid. 
• Completion – The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied—no stitches, no open incisions.

3. Recovery

• Rest for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
• You go home about 1 hour after the procedure.
• Most patients resume light activity the next day.
• Full activity will resume in about 1 week.
• You should see improvement in bleeding almost immediately.

4. Follow-up

• 1 month after the procedure we see you in clinic to check your symptoms.
  • If you are progressing as expected, no further follow ups are needed. 
• We love hearing and sharing in our patients’ success so we encourage all our patients to follow up as needed!

What Results Can I Expect?

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients commonly experience:

• Significant reduction in rectal bleeding
• Less pressure or fullness in the rectal area
• Reduced need for hemorrhoid creams or medications
• Improved bowel comfort and quality of life

HAE has shown success rates of 70–90% in clinical studies for patients with chronic hemorrhoid bleeding.

Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization Right for Me?

Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have internal hemorrhoids that bleed regularly
• You’ve tried diet changes, fiber, creams, or ligation without lasting success
• You want to avoid surgery or anesthesia
• You’re not a candidate for or prefer to avoid surgery

A consultation and imaging will determine whether HAE is appropriate for your specific symptoms and anatomy.

Risks & Complications

Risks & Complications

HAE is a low-risk procedure, especially when performed by skilled vascular specialists. However, like any intervention, there are potential risks.

Common, mild side effects:

• Mild abdominal discomfort or cramping
• Temporary changes in bowel habits
• Minor bruising or soreness at the access site

Our team uses advanced imaging to guide every step and minimize all risks.