Hemorrhoid Embolization vs Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoids can be annoying, painful, and disrupt your everyday life. Luckily, treatment is available to help you find relief. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at two of the more popular treatment options (embolization and banding) to help you determine which one is best for your needs.

What Is Hemorrhoid Embolization? A Modern, Minimally-Invasive Solution

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to treat and remove hemorrhoids. It works by blocking blood flow to the hemorrhoid, allowing it to shrink. Unlike other surgical options, you won’t be put to sleep. At South Florida Vascular Associates, we use local anesthesia, so you can get back to your normal routine immediately. On top of that, no incisions are made, ensuring you have no scarring or a long downtime.

During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into a blood vessel near the hemorrhoid. From there, a catheter is guided through the bloodstream, and small particles are injected into the catheter. The particles will block the blood flow to the hemorrhoid and cause it to shrink, leading to a significant decrease in your discomfort.

What Is Hemorrhoid Banding and How Does It Work?

Hemorrhoid banding (also known as a rubber band ligation) is a minimally-invasive treatment that is used to treat internal hemorrhoids. By placing a tiny rubber band around the hemorrhoid, it cuts the blood supply off. The hemorrhoid will then shrink, dry up, and eventually fall off within a week. It’s most effective on bleeding or prolapsing hemorrhoids

This procedure is often performed without sedation and often requires multiple sessions. While there is very little downtime, the procedure and the recovery time can be painful and cause bleeding, blood clots, and infection.

Hemorrhoid Embolization vs Banding: Key Differences in Treatment Approach

There are a few major differences between a hemorrhoid embolization and hemorrhoid banding. One of the key differences is how the procedure is done. With embolization, particles block off the blood supply to the artery completely, allowing the hemorrhoid to shrink. On the other hand, banding constricts the hemorrhoid itself with a band.

Patients also tend to notice much less pain and a faster recovery time with embolization versus banding. You will likely be able to return to your normal activities more quickly with an embolization. The embolization process also typically takes just one session, while banding can take a few sessions.

Embolization is often done when other methods (including banding) have not been effective.

Why Hemorrhoid Embolization Offers More Comprehensive Relief

While both hemorrhoid embolization and hemorrhoid banding can be effective, we offer hemorrhoid embolization because of the comprehensive relief it offers. By targeting the root cause of the hemorrhoid, we are stopping it where it starts and ensuring there is less of a chance of recurrence. There is also a reduced risk of complications.

The method also offers significant symptom relief, less pain than other methods, and a much shorter recovery time.

Comparing Effectiveness and Long-Term Outcomes

While both hemorrhoid embolization and banding can be effective and offer optimal outcomes, embolization does have a higher success rate and a lower risk of recurrence. You are less likely to have pain, discomfort, and bleeding with an embolization.

Banding is often good as a first line of treatment, especially for small hemorrhoids, but it can require multiple sessions if the hemorrhoid is larger or more severe.

Embolization offers longer-lasting symptom control because it treats and cures the hemorrhoid at its source.

Which Patients Benefit Most From Hemorrhoid Embolization?

Patients who can benefit most from a hemorrhoid embolization are often those who have tried other treatment options and not found the relief they are looking for. It’s also best for those with persistent bleeding internal hemorrhoids and anyone looking to avoid a more invasive surgery. If you’re unable to go under general anesthesia, hemorrhoid embolization may also be right for you.

Why Many Patients Are Choosing Hemorrhoid Embolization First

Many of our patients at South Florida Vascular Associates choose hemorrhoid embolization first because of the relief it can offer. Because it addresses the hemorrhoid at its root, there is less of a risk of recurrence and a greater likelihood of significant symptom relief. While other methods can offer relief, they often come with more invasive methods, require multiple treatment sessions, or can lead to bleeding. With hemorrhoid embolization and the expertise of our team, you can finally find the relief you deserve.

Providers

William Julien, MD

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Board-Certified Vascular Interventional Physician

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Mana Khatkar, PA-C

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Certified Physician Assistant

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Anissa Rodriguez, NP-C

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Certified Nurse Practitioner

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Gina Lowy, PA-C

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Certified Physician Assistant

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Say goodbye to the discomfort and pain that come with hemorrhoids. With the help of our expert team, you finally find relief. To get started, schedule a consultation today. Call our office or message us via our online contact form.