Hemorrhoid Embolization (HAE)
at Buffalo Vascular Care
A minimally invasive, non‑surgical treatment for bleeding internal hemorrhoids
Also known as: “Emborrhoid” (term commonly used in medical literature)
Understanding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause bleeding, itching, pain, or discomfort. They are classified as internal or external.
Symptoms of Internal / External Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids
- Develop inside the rectum
- Most often cause painless bright-red bleeding with bowel movements
- May cause pressure or fullness, but usually no visible external lump
- Primary candidate for our office for Hemorrhoid Embolization (HAE/“Emborrhoid”)
External Hemorrhoids
- Form under the skin around the anus
- Cause swelling, itching, and pain, especially if clotted (thrombosed)
- Typically treated with creams, lifestyle measures, or office procedures — not embolization
- Not a candidate for our office (see your primary care physician or GI doctor)
Why This Matters
If your main symptom is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids,
you may be a candidate for HAE.
Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids
Bright red blood during or after bowel movements
Mucus discharge or staining
Feeling of fullness or incomplete emptying
In advanced cases, tissue may prolapse (protrude) outside the anus
Grading of Internal Hemorrhoids
Bulge into the rectum but do not prolapse (commonly bleed)
Prolapse during bowel movements but retract on their own
Prolapse during bowel movements and require manual pushing back
Remain prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in (often surgical)
What Is Hemorrhoid Embolization (HAE)?
HAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment performed in our office-based interventional treatment center.
- Through a tiny skin puncture in the wrist or groin, a small catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids.
- Using specialized imaging, these vessels are blocked with tiny particles (embolics) and / or metal coils to reduce blood flow to the bleeding or symptomatic internal hemorrhoids.
- This decreases swelling and bleeding without surgery or tissue removal.
- The procedure is done with local anesthesia and comfort sedation; most patients go home the same day with only a small bandage.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Grade I, II or III internal hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding
- Symptoms not improved with diet, creams, banding, or other procedures
- A preference to avoid invasive surgery or if you are not a good surgical candidate.
- Recurrent symptoms after 3 to 6 months of optimized medical therapy
Who Is Not a Candidate?
- Grade IV hemorrhoids or severe prolapse that usually require surgical removal
- Active infection, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or severe contrast allergy that cannot be safely managed
Benefits of HAE
at Buffalo Vascular Care
No incisions or stitches
Only a pinhole skin puncture
Performed with local anesthesia and comfort sedation
Outpatient procedure
Quick return to normal activities
Compared with some traditional methods
Procedure performed in the comfort of our centrally located, office‑based interventional suite
Why Buffalo Vascular Care
Our fellowship‑trained interventional radiologists and certified medical providers deliver advanced, minimally invasive treatments in a safe, supportive outpatient environment. We focus on faster recovery, avoiding hospital stays, and helping you return quickly to daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients feel little to no pain. We use local anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable.
Usually 1–2 hours. You go home the same day.
Many patients notice reduced bleeding within days to weeks, with continued improvement over time..
Relief is long‑lasting for many, though results vary. If bleeding returns due to collateral arteries, a targeted re‑embolization may help.
Yes. Even after HAE, it’s important to: – Maintain a high‑fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) – Drink plenty of water – Use stool softeners if recommended by your provider – Avoid excess straining or prolonged sitting on the toilet – Stay physically active to support bowel health
- Randomized clinical trial comparing embolization vs. hemorrhoid surgery: similar 12‑month outcomes, less early pain with embolization.
- Contemporary systematic reviews/meta‑analyses: technical success ≈93–100%, clinical success 63–94%, low complication rates; recurrences often due to collateral supply.
- State‑of‑the‑art reviews: HAE/“Emborrhoid” is feasible, effective, and safe for bleeding internal hemorrhoids; emphasizes careful anatomy, planning, and follow‑up.
This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your clinician to determine whether HAE is appropriate for you.