What is hemorrhoidal artery embolization?
HAE is performed by a vascular specialist using a thin catheter — a small, flexible tube — guided through the blood vessels. Working from a tiny entry point, usually near the groin or wrist, the physician guides the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the internal hemorrhoidal tissue and places tiny particles to reduce that blood flow. The goal is to reduce bleeding from selected internal hemorrhoids.
HAE is not a treatment for every type of hemorrhoid or every cause of rectal bleeding. It is focused on internal hemorrhoids, and it does not surgically remove hemorrhoidal tissue.
Evaluation comes first
Before any treatment is considered, a physician reviews your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments, and performs an appropriate examination. Rectal bleeding can have many causes, so confirming the source of bleeding is an essential part of the evaluation — which may include anoscopy or other testing depending on your situation.
Hemorrhoid embolization recovery
Because HAE does not involve surgical removal of tissue, recovery differs from hemorrhoid surgery. Individual experiences vary, and your care team will give you instructions specific to your situation. This website does not prescribe medication changes or specific recovery timelines — those decisions belong to you and your treating clinicians.
Embolization, banding and hemorrhoid surgery
HAE is one option among several. Depending on the type and severity of your hemorrhoids and your overall health, other approaches — such as office-based procedures like rubber band ligation, or surgical treatment — may be more appropriate. Prolapse (protruding tissue) may remain after embolization, and another treatment may be a better fit when protrusion is the main concern.
HAE is a newer approach. Long-term durability and direct comparisons with established treatments continue to be studied, and results vary from person to person. Bleeding or other symptoms can persist or return, and some patients need another procedure or a different treatment.
What are the risks of hemorrhoid embolization?
Every medical procedure carries risk. Potential risks of embolization procedures can include bleeding or bruising at the catheter entry site, pain, reaction to contrast dye, unintended effects on nearby tissue, and the possibility that symptoms continue or return. Your physician will review the risks that apply to you before any procedure, and you should ask about anything that is unclear.
Your Kansas City evaluation
Dr. Robert Carter and Dr. Jonathan Wilson are vascular surgeons at Restore Vascular & Vein Center. Both evaluate and treat patients considering HAE. An evaluation does not guarantee that embolization is appropriate.
Start with what physicians consider when assessing candidacy. For practical next steps, review cost and insurance questions or contact the Kansas City office. The listed address is the office contact location; your team will confirm where any procedure would take place.
Patient resources
These independent resources offer additional background. They are provided for general education, are not endorsements of this practice, and do not replace an evaluation by your own physician.