Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

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
Cactus butt_web.jpg

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.

Column 12/12