Hemorrhoids affect millions of adults and can significantly disrupt daily life. At UroPartners, we now offer Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) through our Interventional Radiology (IR) Center—a non-surgical, minimally invasive option for treating symptomatic internal hemorrhoids.
HAE is designed to reduce hemorrhoid symptoms while preserving normal anatomy, minimizing discomfort, and shortening recovery time.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located in and around the anus and rectum. They commonly develop due to:
Chronic constipation or straining
Prolonged sitting
Pregnancy or childbirth
Heavy lifting
Aging
Symptoms may include:
Rectal bleeding
Pain or discomfort
Itching or irritation
A feeling of fullness or pressure
When conservative treatments such as diet changes, fiber supplements, or medications don’t provide relief, minimally invasive options like HAE may help.
What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is a catheter-based procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Rather than removing hemorrhoids surgically, HAE targets and reduces the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing it to shrink over time.
Because the rectum has multiple blood supplies, normal tissue remains healthy while hemorrhoid symptoms improve.
How the HAE Procedure Works
A tiny catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin
Using real-time imaging, the catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids
Microscopic embolization particles are used to reduce blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue
The procedure typically takes about one hour
Patients return home the same day
Benefits of HAE
Minimally invasive (no incisions or stitches)
No general anesthesia required
Preserves anal continence
No rectal wounds
Less post-procedure pain compared to surgery
Short recovery time
Return to normal activity in days—not weeks
High success rates for bleeding and symptom relief
What to Expect After the Procedure
Same-day discharge
Mild soreness at the catheter insertion site
Gradual symptom improvement over several weeks
Most patients resume light activity the same day and normal activity shortly thereafter
Some patients may benefit from a repeat treatment depending on symptom severity.
Am I a Candidate for HAE?
You may be a candidate if you:
Have symptomatic internal hemorrhoids
Experience persistent bleeding or discomfort
Have not improved with conservative treatment
Are looking for an alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy
A consultation with the UroPartners IR Center will determine whether HAE is right for you.
Schedule a Consultation
If hemorrhoid symptoms are affecting your quality of life, relief may be possible without surgery.
Contact UroPartners today to learn more about Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization and schedule a consultation with our Interventional Radiology team.
