GASTROINTESTINAL
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
A minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids that reduces bleeding and pain without traditional surgery.
What is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids, particularly those causing chronic bleeding or discomfort. Unlike conventional hemorrhoid surgery, HAE does not involve cutting or removing hemorrhoidal tissue.
At Seamless Medical Centers in Port Arthur, TX, HAE is performed using image-guided techniques to precisely reduce blood flow to the arteries feeding the hemorrhoids. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink naturally, helping relieve symptoms while preserving normal anatomy and allowing for faster recovery.
Symptoms Treated
Chronic Hemorrhoidal Bleeding
Persistent or recurrent bleeding during bowel movements that can lead to anemia and significantly impact quality of life.
Hemorrhoid-Related Pain
Discomfort, pain, or throbbing associated with hemorrhoidal disease that impacts daily activities.
Hemorrhoid Prolapse
Occurs when hemorrhoids extend outside the anus with straining.
Recurrent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids that have returned after previous treatments such as banding, sclerotherapy, or surgery.
Chronic Hemorrhoidal Bleeding
Persistent or recurrent bleeding during bowel movements that can lead to anemia and significantly impact quality of life.
Hemorrhoid-Related Pain
Discomfort, pain, or throbbing associated with hemorrhoidal disease that impacts daily activities.
Hemorrhoid Prolapse
Occurs when hemorrhoids extend outside the anus with straining.
Recurrent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids that have returned after previous treatments such as banding, sclerotherapy, or surgery.
Are You a Candidate for HAE?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for this treatment.
Call Now — (409) 213-9575Your information is protected under HIPAA. We will never share your data.
Procedure Details
During your consultation, our specialists will:
Pre-Procedure Assessment
Our team at Seamless Medical Care at Port Arthur, TX will review symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic findings to determine if hemorrhoid artery embolization is the most appropriate treatment option.
The HAE Procedure
HAE is performed under local anesthesia using a small catheter guided through the blood vessels. The arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids are selectively embolized, reducing blood flow and allowing the hemorrhoids to shrink without surgical removal.
Post-Procedure Care
Most patients go home the same day. Mild discomfort may occur but typically resolves quickly. Detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up support are provided.
We ensure you fully understand your treatment options – even if that means recommending alternatives.
We'll answer all your questions and ensure you fully understand your options, even if that means we think you are better suited by procedures we don't offer.
Benefits and Risks
Typical Benefits
- •No direct surgical intervention in the anal area
- •Minimal pain compared to traditional hemorrhoid treatments
- •Quick recovery with return to normal activities within 1-2 days
- •Reduction in bleeding in 90-95% of patients
- •Preservation of normal anal anatomy and function
Potential Risks
- •Temporary access site bruising or discomfort
- •Rare risk of non-target embolization
- •As with surgical or endoscopic treatment, potential need for additional treatment in some cases
Recovery and Outlook
Recovery from hemorrhoid artery embolization is typically quick and comfortable. Most patients experience minimal pain and return to normal activities within 1–2 days.
Clinical studies show significant reduction in bleeding and symptom improvement for the majority of patients. Results are often long-lasting, though some individuals may require additional treatment depending on severity and lifestyle factors.
Answers to Your
Common Questions
HAE offers significant advantages over traditional treatments. Unlike hemorrhoid banding, sclerotherapy, or surgery, HAE doesn’t involve direct manipulation of the anal area, resulting in minimal pain and discomfort. There’s no risk of anal stenosis or incontinence, and recovery is much faster. HAE treats the root cause by reducing blood flow to hemorrhoids, with 90-95% success rates for bleeding reduction.
HAE is significantly less painful than traditional hemorrhoid treatments. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and sedation with minimal discomfort. Post-procedure pain is typically minimal since there’s no surgical intervention in the sensitive anal area. Most patients experience little to no pain after HAE and can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
HAE provides long-lasting results by targeting the blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoids. Clinical studies show durable symptom relief in 85-95% of patients. While new hemorrhoids can potentially develop over time due to ongoing risk factors (constipation, straining, etc.), the treated hemorrhoids typically shrink permanently. Maintaining healthy bowel habits can help prevent recurrence.
Good candidates for HAE include patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids causing bleeding, pain, or prolapse who haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatments. HAE is particularly beneficial for patients who want to avoid surgery, have had unsuccessful previous treatments, or have medical conditions that make traditional surgery risky. A consultation and examination will determine if HAE is right for you.
Your physician: Zagum Bhatti, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist · Former Assistant Professor of VIR, UTHealth Houston
Dr. Bhatti is fellowship-trained in the image-guided embolization techniques used in hemorrhoid artery embolization.
Meet Dr. Bhatti →