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- Hemorrhoid Embolization: An Advanced Alternative to Surgery
- What Is a Hemorrhoidectomy? Understanding Traditional Surgical Treatment
- Embolization vs Hemorrhoidectomy: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- Real Patient Testimonial
- Long-Term Effectiveness Without Incisions or Stitches
- Risks and Complications of Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy
- Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Hemorrhoid Embolization?
- Why Patients Are Choosing Embolization Over Surgery
Hemorrhoids can be more than just annoying. They can be painful, cause bleeding, and lead to serious complications. It’s why there are multiple treatment options available to address these swollen veins. But which type of treatment is right for you? Two of these treatments include hemorrhoid embolization and hemorrhoidectomy. Let’s take a look at each option to help you make the right decision for your health.
Hemorrhoid Embolization: An Advanced Alternative to Surgery
A hemorrhoid embolization (also known as a hemorrhoidal artery embolization) is a minimally-invasive procedure that is designed to treat hemorrhoids. It works by blocking blood flow to the hemorrhoid, and it does so without the need for general anesthesia or incisions.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. From there, a thin needle is inserted into a blood vessel, and a small catheter is guided through the bloodstream and into the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Small particles are then injected into the catheter, and those particles block the blood flow and shrink the hemorrhoid. Once the procedure is over, you will be able to go back to your normal routine immediately.
What Is a Hemorrhoidectomy? Understanding Traditional Surgical Treatment
A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove hemorrhoids. While this procedure is typically not needed, it can be necessary if hemorrhoids keep coming back or if you have serious complications from your hemorrhoids.
The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia. From there, the doctor uses a scalpel or laser to cut out the swollen tissue. While the surgery can remove your hemorrhoid once and for all, the recovery process can be more complex and come with significant downtime, resulting in pain and discomfort.
The hemorrhoidectomy is often done for patients struggling with prolapse, thrombosis, strangulation, and recurrence.
Embolization vs Hemorrhoidectomy: A Side-by-Side Comparison
While hemorrhoid embolization and a hemorrhoidectomy can both lead to similar results, they are two very different procedures. The main difference between these treatments is their complexity. Hemorrhoid embolization is minimally invasive and doesn’t require general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is enough. A hemorrhoidectomy, on the other hand, is an invasive surgery and requires general anesthesia for your comfort.
Because of the lack of invasiveness, there is also a much shorter recovery time with embolization, and it comes with less risk of complications. With embolization, you can go home the same day. That may not be the case with a hemorrhoidectomy.
A hemorrhoid embolization can also work on most types of internal hemorrhoids, but in very severe cases, a hemorrhoidectomy may be necessary. Especially if the hemorrhoid has not responded to other methods. That said, a hemorrhoidectomy comes with a higher risk of complications because of its invasiveness.
Long-Term Effectiveness Without Incisions or Stitches
With a hemorrhoid embolization, you can expect your results to be long-lasting. While a hemorrhoidectomy will completely remove the hemorrhoid and therefore lead to longer-lasting results, a hemorrhoid embolization doesn’t come with any of the complications that come with incisions and stitches of a more invasive surgery.
You should see an improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks, and most patients don’t need another procedure.
Risks and Complications of Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy
As with any invasive procedure, a surgical hemorrhoidectomy can come with risks and complications. Some of the most common risks include significant pain, bleeding, and urinary retention. While less common, you may also end up with an infection, anal fissures, or fistulas. Because of these risks and complications, many of our patients choose the minimally invasive hemorrhoid embolization over the hemorrhoidectomy.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Hemorrhoid Embolization?
An ideal candidate for a hemorrhoid embolization is anyone with a persistent, bleeding internal hemorrhoid who hasn’t found relief with other treatment options or lifestyle changes. This procedure is also perfect for those who want to avoid a more invasive surgery, don’t want to go under general anesthesia, and want a shorter recovery period. We also recommend that you be in good overall health and not have any other medical conditions that could interfere with the procedure or the recovery process.
Providers
Why Patients Are Choosing Embolization Over Surgery
At South Florida Vascular Associates, many of our patients come to us struggling with hemorrhoids but don’t want an invasive surgery. That’s where embolization comes in. With this minimally-invasive procedure, our patients can see all the benefits of treatment without the risks and complications of surgery.
To learn more about embolization and why it can be the perfect treatment option for hemorrhoids, schedule a consultation with our team today. Call our office or message us via our online contact form.
Dr. William Julien, MD, is a nationally recognized, board-certified vascular interventional physician and President of South Florida Vascular Associates, known for advancing minimally invasive, outpatient vascular care. Trained at top institutions and fellowship-trained in interventional radiology, he brings deep expertise to the treatment of complex conditions including abdominal aortic aneurysm, PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, and venous disease. A former chief and director of interventional radiology for multi-hospital systems, Dr. Julien is actively involved in device trials, national endovascular education, and leadership within major professional societies. He also pioneered one of the nation’s first advanced outpatient endovascular surgery suites, reinforcing his role as an innovator shaping the future of vascular intervention.