Hemorrhoidal artery embolization

Minimally invasive procedure for treating hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. This procedure is an alternative to traditional surgical methods and aims to reduce the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, thereby alleviating symptoms.

Procedure

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization procedure

The procedure involves the selective embolization of the superior rectal artery and its branches, which supply blood to the hemorrhoidal tissue. It is performed under fluoroscopy guidance by an interventional radiologist.

The patient is usually placed under local anesthesia with sedation. A small incision is made in the groin area to access the femoral artery. A catheter is then navigated through the arterial system to the superior rectal artery. Once the target vessels are identified, embolic agents such as coils or particles are introduced to occlude the blood flow to the hemorrhoids.

Indications

HAE is indicated for patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids that have not responded to conservative treatments such as dietary modifications, topical treatments, or rubber band ligation. It is particularly useful for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgical hemorrhoidectomy due to medical comorbidities.

Advantages

The advantages of hemorrhoidal artery embolization include:

• Minimally invasive nature, resulting in less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
• Preservation of the anal sphincter, reducing the risk of fecal incontinence.
• Outpatient procedure with a short hospital stay.

Complications

While HAE is generally safe, potential complications may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Non-target embolization leading to ischemia of surrounding tissues
• Recurrence of hemorrhoids

Outcomes

Studies have shown that HAE is effective in reducing symptoms of hemorrhoids, with many patients experiencing significant relief. However, long-term outcomes and recurrence rates are still being evaluated in clinical studies.

Related pages

• Hemorrhoid
• Interventional radiology
• Embolization
• Superior rectal artery