What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE), also referred to as Emborrhoid, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, which are swollen and enlarged veins in the rectum. Interventional Radiology (IR) physicians can treat this condition by embolizing, or blocking off, the arterial blood flow to decrease the pressure in the abnormal hemorrhoidal tissue. This avoids surgery with less post-procedure pain and faster recovery times than trans-anal procedures.
How to Prepare for an Emborrhoid Procedure
You will need to have an empty stomach the day of your procedure, so you must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. However, you may and should take your daily morning medications for blood pressure, heart conditions or other important health issues with just a few sips of water.
A driver will be needed to take you to and from your procedure, and you must have someone who can stay with you at home the first day and night.
Your doctor may also have labs drawn prior to your procedure.
During the Procedure
This treatment is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery. Your procedure will be done in our DRI Alamance or Lake Brandt outpatient imaging centers. The procedure will last approximately one hour. You will be given conscious sedation to keep you comfortable. No surgical incision is needed—just a small nick in the skin.
What Is the Recovery Time?
HAE is considered an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day as your treatment. You will recover for approximately 60 minutes. After the procedure, it is common to have mild discomfort at the incision site. You may be prescribed pain medications to take home. Individual recovery rates may vary, and following your post-procedure instructions are essential for the best outcome.