How Long Does Hemorrhoid Embolization Last?

Hemorrhoids are a common concern impacting millions of individuals around the world. While you may develop internal or external hemorrhoids, internal ones can be more complex to relieve, because they involve a network of blood vessels known as your corpus cavernosum recti (CCR). As such, seeking a lasting treatment option for internal hemorrhoids was once a major challenge. But, today, we can treat them with hemorrhoid embolization, (also called hemorrhoid artery embolization or HAE), providing lasting relief from symptoms such as chronic bleeding or prolapsing.

What is hemorrhoid embolization?

Embolization treats internal hemorrhoids by reducing blood flow to the area. The process works simply but beautifully. Doctors insert a catheter via a small incision, directing it to the vessels feeding your hemorrhoids. Once in place, they deposit embolic material that reduces blood flow to the area. In turn, the hemorrhoids shrink without damaging the surrounding tissue. The process relieves hemorrhoid symptoms without increasing your risk for side effects such as anal incontinence or rectal wounds. Still, the question remains: how long does the relief from hemorrhoid embolization really last?

How long does hemorrhoid embolization last?

According to research, HAE’s technical success rate sits at an incredible 95%. However, evidence does suggest that the procedure works best for patients with grade 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids. As such, patients with grade 4 symptoms may not find relief through HAE, and may need to seek alternative treatments, such as hemorrhoid removal surgery.

Now, as we mentioned earlier, HAE is still a relatively new treatment option for internal hemorrhoids. As a result, we don’t have lots of long-term data on how long you can expect its results to last. Still, with the currently available data, we can report that up to 75% of patients are still experiencing significant symptom relief one year (12 months) after the procedure. Plus, since HAE is a non-surgical procedure, patients may undergo treatment multiple times, without general anesthesia or overnight hospital stays. And, since it’s also considered the least invasive treatment option for grade three internal hemorrhoids, those results should be promising for patients who would like to avoid surgery, or who are not medically cleared to undergo more invasive procedures.

Choosing HAE in Texas

Our interventional radiologists in Texas perform HAE for patients with grade 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids, allowing for faster recovery times; reduced pain; and minimal discomfort following your procedure. Want to see if you’re a candidate for hemorrhoid embolization at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute? Click here to request a consultation Click here to request a consultation Click here to request a consultation at one of our six clinics in the greater Houston and Dallas regions.