Faster Recovery, Less Pain: Why Patients Are Choosing Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization

To millions of individuals, hemorrhoids are an everyday challenge – bleeding during bowel movements, pain sitting from hemorrhoids, and itchy and uncomfortable sensations that make life unbearable. Some of them postpone care, thinking of the pain and loss of time during surgery. However, today, a minimally invasive procedure, which provides permanent relief and does not require scalpels or stitches, is available: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE).

Board-certified interventional radiologists at South Florida Vascular Associates (SFVA) specialize in this non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoid care, allowing patients to have rapid recovery, less pain and long-term comfort.

Understanding the Problem: More Than Just an Annoyance

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum that may result in bleeding and irritation of the rectum, stinging pain, prolapsed hemorrhoid symptoms, and even painful rectal lumps, which obstruct one’s daily routine. In the long run, they can cause regular rectal bleeding, painful rectal masses, and incessant hemorrhoid pain.

Although over-the-counter creams or home remedies can soothe the irritation, they seldom treat the actual problem, which is the enlarged hemorrhoid veins, which are ever-expanding and bleeding. There are traditional surgeries, such as hemorrhoidectomy, which may be helpful but are usually accompanied by a lot of pain, a lengthy healing process and complications.

That’s why more patients are asking: “Is there a better way?”

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization, also known as hemorrhoid embolization, or HAE procedure, is a minimally invasive procedure to treat hemorrhoids undertaken by an interventional radiologist.

The doctor does not slice or trim the tissue, but instead makes a small incision in the wrist or the groin and then applies imaging to identify the arteries that carry blood to the hemorrhoids. The procedure decreases blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue by blocking such vessels very softly with the use of microscopic particles. With time, the hemorrhoids become smaller, the symptoms are relieved, and the swollen hemorrhoids disappear.

This method provides a surgery-free cure of bleeding hemorrhoids and is thus a very attractive alternative to hemorrhoidectomy.

Benefits of HAE: Comfort Meets Modern Medicine

1. Faster Recovery and Less Pain

HAE does not require an incision, stitches, or hospitalization, unlike surgical elimination. Patients usually get home in hours and resume light activities on the following day. It suits a person who wants to treat painful hemorrhoids without having to change his or her way of life.

2. No General Anesthesia

The process involves a local anesthetic with mild sedation, and this reduces risk exposure and makes the treatment as comfortable as possible.

3. No Visible Wounds, No Scars

Given that access is via a small puncture point, there is no wound care, no scarring and no surgical follow-up visits.

4. Quick Relief from Bleeding and Discomfort

Patients often see improvement in heavy bleeding hemorrhoids and sharp pain during bowel movements within days.

5. Preserves Natural Function

Unlike surgery, HAE leaves the anal tissue intact, reducing the risk of complications and preserving normal bowel control.

Who Is a Candidate for HAE?

You may be a candidate if you experience:

• Frequent bleeding during bowel movements or blood in stool from hemorrhoids

• Hemorrhoids that keep coming back despite other treatments

• Prolapsed hemorrhoid symptoms or hemorrhoid pressure in rectum

• A desire for a minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment instead of surgery

If you’re tired of constant bleeding hemorrhoids or feel your lifestyle is limited by hemorrhoid pain, HAE might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

What to Expect at South Florida Vascular Associates

At SFVA, HAE is performed in an advanced outpatient vascular suite by board-certified interventional radiologists. The procedure usually takes 30–45 minutes. With the help of high-level imaging, your doctor will slowly guide a microcatheter to the hemorrhoidal arteries and make the embolization as accurate and safe as possible.

The majority of the patients take a short-term rest and go home on the same day. In a few days, they experience decreasing rectal swelling and discomfort, minimal blood loss, and a major relief from chronic hemorrhoid irritation.

Real-World Outcomes

Clinical studies show that hemorrhoid artery embolization achieves up to 90% success in stopping rectal bleeding hemorrhoids and improving pain. Many SFVA patients report that they finally feel comfortable again – sitting, working, and enjoying life without fear of flare-ups.

For many, this non-surgical hemorrhoid care has truly changed how they manage a condition that once controlled their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is hemorrhoid artery embolization?

It is a procedure that involves minimally invasive hemorrhoid surgery that occludes the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal tissue, and the shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal tissue occurs without surgery.

2. What is the level of HAE effectiveness on hemorrhoids?

Research indicates a high success rate, especially in those patients who are experiencing frequent rectal bleeding or having recurrent hemorrhoids that are not subsiding.

3. Is HAE safer than hemorrhoid surgeries?

Yes. Patients have less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications since it is done by a tiny puncture and not an incision.

4. What is the duration of HAE recovery?

The majority of patients are back to their normal lives in one to two days, a fraction of the recovery time following major surgery.

5. Does HAE stop rectal bleeding?

Yes. By reducing blood supply to the hemorrhoids, the procedure effectively stops hemorrhoid bleeding and prevents recurrence.

A Smarter, Gentler Way to Heal

If hemorrhoids affecting daily life have left you frustrated or in pain, you don’t have to keep suffering. Hemorrhoid artery embolization is more accessible than ever, and South Florida Vascular Associates leads the region in this advanced, patient-friendly care.

With less pain, minimal downtime, and lasting results, HAE represents the best alternative to hemorrhoidectomy for people seeking a comfortable, modern solution.

To learn more about the cost of hemorrhoid artery embolization, insurance coverage, or your candidacy for the procedure, schedule a consultation today at one of SFVA’s locations in Coconut Creek, Plantation, or Atlantis.

Because relief shouldn’t require suffering, and recovery shouldn’t take weeks.