When should I consider treatment for chronic bleeding hemorrhoids instead of home remedies?

If bleeding, irritation, or discomfort continues despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies, Dr. Bhatti recommends a medical evaluation. He assesses your symptoms and determines whether a minimally invasive treatment may provide longer-lasting relief.

How long does the embolization procedure usually take?

Most procedures are completed within a few hours. Dr. Bhatti performs the treatment using advanced imaging guidance, allowing patients to return home the same day in many cases.

Will the procedure be painful?

Dr. Bhatti focuses on patient comfort throughout the treatment. The procedure is performed through a very small catheter, which generally causes less discomfort compared to traditional surgical approaches.

How does hemorrhoid artery embolization help reduce swelling and bleeding?

Dr. Bhatti targets the arteries that supply blood to the swollen veins. By reducing this blood flow, the hemorrhoidal tissue gradually shrinks, helping relieve symptoms such as bleeding, irritation, and pressure.

How soon can I return to normal activities after the procedure?

Many patients resume light daily activities within a short period. Because the treatment is minimally invasive, recovery is typically quicker compared to more traditional surgical procedures.

What symptoms usually indicate that medical treatment may be necessary?

Patients often seek care when they experience persistent bleeding, swelling, itching, or discomfort that interferes with daily routines. Dr. Bhatti evaluates these symptoms to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Is chronic hemorrhoids treatment necessary if symptoms come and go?

Even intermittent symptoms can indicate an underlying vascular issue. Dr. Bhatti evaluates the severity and frequency of your symptoms to determine whether a targeted treatment approach may help prevent ongoing irritation and discomfort.

Who is typically considered a good candidate for this procedure?

Candidates often include individuals with persistent hemorrhoid symptoms who have not achieved lasting relief from medications or lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Bhatti reviews medical history and diagnostic findings to determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Will the procedure permanently remove hemorrhoids?

HAE is not a cure and does not remove hemorrhoids. The goal is to reduce the arterial blood flow that contributes to swelling and bleeding; many patients experience lasting relief, though symptoms can recur and a repeat or alternative procedure is sometimes needed. Dr. Bhatti will discuss what results are realistic for you.

Is non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment effective for long-term symptom relief?

Across published studies, reported clinical success — a meaningful reduction in bleeding and symptoms — ranges from about 63% to 94%, mostly from small single-arm series. HAE is an emerging technique, and no major U.S. society has issued a position statement specific to hemorrhoid embolization. Dr. Bhatti will review whether it is a reasonable option for your symptoms.

Digestive and Vascular Health

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization in Port Arthur, TX — Non-Surgical Treatment for Chronic & Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Patients from Port Arthur, TX are seen at our Port Arthur office. A minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids that reduces bleeding and pain without traditional surgery.

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Medically reviewed by Zagum Bhatti, M.D. — Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist

Last reviewed: June 23, 2026

Patients from Port Arthur, TX are seen at our office located at 3300 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Suite #130, Port Arthur, TX 77642.

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoid artery embolization (the "Emborrhoid" technique) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the blood flow that contributes to enlarged or bleeding hemorrhoids. The treatment is performed by Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD, a board-certified interventional radiologist, using advanced imaging guidance and a small catheter inserted through a pinhole access in the wrist or groin — no surgical cut.

HAE is an emerging, non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment studied for patients with Grade I–III internal hemorrhoids (and selected Grade IV cases when surgery is contraindicated). Published studies — mostly small, single-arm series and reviews — report high technical success and meaningful bleeding improvement in roughly 63–94% of patients, with a low rate of mild, self-limited side effects.

It is used off-label: it relies on devices cleared for embolization generally and is not separately FDA-approved for hemorrhoids, and no major U.S. society has issued a position statement specific to it. Larger comparative trials and longer follow-up are still maturing. Dr. Bhatti reviews each person's symptoms, hemorrhoid grade, and imaging to determine whether HAE is a reasonable option.

Who It's For

Who Can Benefit from Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoids can cause persistent discomfort, bleeding, and irritation that disrupt everyday life. Patients who have not found lasting relief from medications or lifestyle changes may explore embolization as a chronic hemorrhoids treatment option. A consultation with Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD will confirm candidacy.

Patients Experiencing Persistent Rectal Bleeding

People experiencing repeated rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids may benefit from targeted treatment that reduces pressure within affected veins. Embolization works by addressing the blood supply responsible for swelling and irritation.

Patients Seeking Non-Surgical Relief

Some individuals want effective symptom relief without undergoing traditional hemorrhoid surgery. For these patients, embolization may serve as a non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment, offering a minimally invasive option with reduced recovery time.

Individuals with Recurrent Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Patients whose hemorrhoid symptoms frequently return despite medication or home remedies may benefit from embolization. The procedure targets the underlying vascular causes of swelling to help provide longer-term symptom improvement.

Patients Exploring Advanced Vascular Treatments

Individuals seeking modern treatment options may consider embolization when other therapies have not provided adequate relief. This image-guided procedure focuses on reducing blood flow to the hemorrhoids to support lasting improvement.

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Common Symptoms

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization for Patients with Chronic Hemorrhoids

Chronic hemorrhoids can lead to ongoing irritation, swelling, and bleeding that interferes with daily comfort. For many patients, symptoms may worsen over time and become difficult to manage with over-the-counter treatments alone. Artery embolization for hemorrhoids offers a minimally invasive option designed to address the underlying blood flow that contributes to enlarged hemorrhoids.

Rectal bleeding during bowel movements

Persistent itching or irritation

Pain or discomfort when sitting

Swelling around the anal area

Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Sensitivity or pressure in the rectal region

By targeting the arteries responsible for supplying blood to hemorrhoidal tissue, embolization helps reduce swelling and relieve pressure within the affected veins. Many individuals exploring hemorrhoid embolization are looking for a solution that focuses on long-term symptom relief rather than temporary management.

Because the procedure is performed through a tiny catheter and guided imaging, it typically involves minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Patients often benefit from faster recovery times and improved comfort compared to more invasive surgical treatments.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation now →

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What to Expect

Safety, Recovery & What to Expect

HAE is an emerging, minimally invasive procedure. Understanding the recovery, the possible side effects, and who is not a candidate is part of choosing the right treatment.

Recovery

HAE is an outpatient procedure performed under conscious sedation — no general anesthesia — with same-day discharge through a pinhole wrist or groin access. Most people resume light activity within 1–3 days. Bleeding and swelling typically improve over the following weeks.

Side effects and risks

Most common: mild pelvic or anal discomfort or pressure and transient nausea, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Less common: a low-grade fever shortly after the procedure. To date, the published series report no ischemic injury or continence disturbance. Recurrence of bleeding can occur; durability data are still maturing and a repeat or alternative procedure is sometimes needed.

Who may not be a candidate

HAE is not a cure and is not for everyone — for example, external hemorrhoids, certain anatomy, or bleeding from a non-hemorrhoidal cause. Any rectal bleeding should be evaluated to rule out other conditions. Candidacy is confirmed by Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD.

Surgery-Free Care

Why Patients Choose HAE Over Hemorrhoid Surgery

HAE is an option for selected patients who want to avoid surgery; it is not a replacement for hemorrhoidectomy when surgery is indicated. Dr. Bhatti reviews comparative claims before publishing.

No surgical cut — pinhole arterial access

Conscious sedation only

Same-day discharge

Return to activity in about 1–3 days

HAE vs. Hemorrhoidectomy

	HAE (Non-Surgical)	Hemorrhoidectomy (Surgery)
Incision	Pinhole arterial access — no surgical cut	Surgical excision
Anesthesia	Conscious sedation	General/regional anesthesia
Hospital stay	Same-day discharge	Same-day to 1–2 days
Return to activity	About 1–3 days	About 2–4 weeks
Post-procedure pain	Usually mild	Often significant — among the more painful outpatient surgeries
U.S. regulatory status	Off-label; uses devices cleared for embolization generally — not separately FDA-approved for hemorrhoids	Established standard of care
Evidence	Emerging; mostly single-arm studies and European series; data maturing	Established, with long-term data
Insurance coverage	Varies — often limited; may be considered investigational. Verify before treatment	Generally covered

All comparative claims are reviewed and approved by Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD before publishing. Recurrence/durability rows are omitted where no head-to-head data exist.

Are You a Candidate for HAE?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for this treatment.

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Question 1 of 2

Do you have a history of internal hemorrhoids?

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Your Consultation

Schedule Your Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization Consultation in Port Arthur

Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD and the team review whether HAE is a reasonable option for your symptoms and anatomy. During your consultation, your physician will:

Review your symptom history, frequency, and severity
Assess prior treatments and why they may not have lasted
Confirm your hemorrhoid grade and whether HAE is appropriate, with Dr. Bhatti
Walk through the procedure, recovery timeline, and risks
Review insurance — coverage for this emerging/off-label use varies; we verify your benefits first

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About Your Physician

Zagum Bhatti, M.D.

Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist

Founder & Chief Medical Officer; Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Zagum Bhatti is a board-certified, dual-fellowship-trained interventional radiologist and a former Assistant Professor of Vascular & Interventional Radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). He has dedicated his career to minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that treat serious conditions without open surgery. As Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Seamless Medical Centers, he brings academic-level expertise — including published peer-reviewed research in vascular and interventional radiology — to a community practice in Southeast Texas, making advanced treatments for enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, knee osteoarthritis, peripheral artery disease, and chronic pain available close to home.

Education & training

B.S., Biochemistry — University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (2001–2004)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) — Medical College of Wisconsin (2004–2008)
Residency, Diagnostic Radiology — Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (2008–2012)
Fellowship, Neuroradiology — Medical College of Wisconsin (2013–2014)
Fellowship, Vascular & Interventional Radiology — Rush University Medical Center (Rush Medical College) (2014–2015)

Board certification & licensure

Board Certified in Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology, American Board of Radiology — actively maintained in the ABR Continuing Certification (MOC) program
Texas Medical License #Q3852
NPI 1053577890

Selected publications

Portal Venous Interventions: How to Recognize, Avoid, or Get Out of Trouble in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS), Balloon Occlusion Sclerosis (BRTO), and Portal Vein Embolization (PVE). Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2018;21(4):267-287.
Percutaneous Venous Interventions in the Pulmonary Vascular, Central and Peripheral Venous Systems: How to Recognize, Avoid and Treat Complications. Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2018;21(4):228-241.
Spontaneous Chyluria Treated with Retrograde Embolization via Direct Thoracic Duct Access at the Left Neck. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2019;30(5):772-774.
Management of Vascular Complications of Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy 2018;8(3):372-377.

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Medical Sources

The clinical information on this page is supported by the following peer-reviewed studies and professional medical society guidance.

Superior rectal artery embolization, Grade I–III — systematic review (2024) — Technical success 93–100%; clinical success 63–94%; mild self-limited AEs; recurrence noted.
Emborrhoid — review of current evidence — ~250 published patients; feasibility/efficacy/safety; emerging.
Tradi et al., SRA embolization, prospective 25 patients, JVIR 2018 — Technique and outcomes; supports the procedure description.
SIR Guidelines & Statements (sirweb.org) — Confirms there is no hemorrhoid-specific SIR position statement.

Ready to learn more?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatti to discuss your treatment options and see if this procedure is right for you.

Most major plans accepted, including Medicare/Medicaid — we verify before your visit.