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- Hemorrhoid Embolization: A Less Invasive Approach to Lasting Relief
- What Is Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL)?
- Embolization vs HAL: How These Procedures Differ
- Real Patient Testimonial
- Effectiveness and Outcomes: The Advantage of Embolization
- Limitations and Risks of Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
- The Precision and Safety of Hemorrhoid Embolization
- Why Hemorrhoid Embolization Is Becoming the Preferred Option
There are several different treatment options for treating hemorrhoids, but not all treatments are right for all patients. Two common hemorrhoid treatments include hemorrhoid embolization and hemorrhoidal artery ligation. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at what each treatment entails and why we often recommend hemorrhoid embolization at South Florida Vascular Associates.
Hemorrhoid Embolization: A Less Invasive Approach to Lasting Relief
Hemorrhoid embolization (also known as hemorrohidal artery embolization) is a minimally invasive procedure that is perfect for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and involves your provider inserting a thin needle into a blood vessel. From there, a small catheter is guided through the bloodstream to the artery that supplies the hemorrhoid with blood flow. Tiny particles will then be injected into the catheter to block the blood flow, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
Because this is a minimally invasive procedure and is only done under local anesthesia, you will be able to go home the same day.
What Is Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL)?
Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) is also a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat hemorrhoids. It involves locating the blood vessels that supply the hemorrhoids using ultrasound technology and cutting off the blood supply. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and fall off.
To reach the blood vessels and the hemorrhoids, a special scope is inserted into the rectum. To address any discomfort, you are typically put under general anesthesia.
Embolization vs HAL: How These Procedures Differ
While both embolization and HAL block blood flow to the hemorrhoid, the two procedures are quite different. The main difference is how the procedure is performed. With HAL, the procedure is performed through the rectum, while embolization is done through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin. Embolization allows you much more comfort because it doesn’t affect the delicate tissue in and around the rectum. This also means the embolization often comes with a much shorter recovery period when compared with HAL.
Effectiveness and Outcomes: The Advantage of Embolization
Embolization is our provider’s top choice for addressing most hemorrhoids because of how effective it is and because it offers our patients a level of comfort that other treatment options don’t.
With embolization, you don’t have to worry about going under general anesthesia or a long recovery time. On top of that, there are no incisions or manipulation of the tissues in the rectum. This ensures you can get back to your busy life as quickly as possible while still seeing a significant reduction in your symptoms. While recurrence is possible with hemorrhoids, it’s much less likely with embolization.
Limitations and Risks of Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
While HAL is effective for many patients, it does have limitations. Because the procedure is performed through the rectum, it can lead to postoperative pain and discomfort. You may also feel like you need to pass stool regularly, whether you actually do or not. This is often caused by sutures placed in the rectum.
Recovery is often several days to a few weeks with HAL. With embolization, you can get back to your normal routine immediately.
There is also a risk of recurrence with hemorrhoidal artery ligation, especially if you have more severe hemorrhoids.
HAL is also not the best option for anyone who is not able to undergo anesthesia or surgery.
The Precision and Safety of Hemorrhoid Embolization
One of the many reasons we recommend hemorrhoid embolization over other treatment options at South Florida Vascular Associates is because it allows us to precisely identify and treat hemorrhoids without the need for a more invasive procedure. This means a lower risk of infection, no need for incisions in the rectum, a reduced risk of bleeding, and far fewer complications.
Providers
Why Hemorrhoid Embolization Is Becoming the Preferred Option
Hemorrhoid embolization has quickly become the preferred option for patients looking to address and treat hemorrhoids and reduce their symptoms. But why? Because it’s a minimally invasive option that comes with no incisions and minimal downtime, it’s one of the most effective and convenient treatment options. And because it provides comfort while also being effective and safe, it’s the number one hemorrhoid treatment we offer at South Florida Vascular Associates.
To learn more about the procedure and find relief, schedule a consultation 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.