Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause bleeding, discomfort and irritation. For patients seeking relief without invasive surgery, interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment offers a modern, minimally invasive solution. Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE) helps shrink internal hemorrhoids while preserving normal anal anatomy.

What Is Interventional Radiology Hemorrhoid Treatment?

Illustration of hemorrhoidal artery embolization (hae), representing interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment At Medical Center Radiologists (located within medical clinics and hospitals in Norfolk, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Suffolk, VA), interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment works by reducing blood flow to the arteries feeding hemorrhoids. During HAE, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the wrist or groin and guided using advanced imaging modalities. Tiny particles and coils are released to block blood flow, gradually shrinking the hemorrhoids. This approach is the essence of this type of treatment, providing effective relief without the pain and recovery time of traditional surgery.

What Are the Benefits?

Patients choosing interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment benefit from:

  • Minimally invasive procedure through a small incision
  • Entirely outpatient treatment
  • Little to no discomfort compared to surgery
  • No cutting or stitches required
  • Preservation of normal anal anatomy
  • Quicker recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within days
  • Effective for bleeding internal hemorrhoids

This makes interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment an attractive option for patients seeking safe, effective care.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment if you experience persistent bleeding, symptoms that have not improved with conservative measures, or hemorrhoids that affect daily life. This procedure is also a great option for patients seeking a non-surgical approach. Consulting with our specialists can help determine if this type of treatment is right for you.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During HAE, our interventional radiologists use imaging modalities to guide a catheter to the arteries feeding the hemorrhoids. Embolization particles and coils are delivered to reduce blood flow. This makes interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment precise, safe and effective. Most procedures take one to two hours, and patients often go home the same day.

Recovery After Treatment

Recovery from interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment is usually smooth. Because no tissue is removed surgically, patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities within a few days. Our providers give specific instructions to ensure optimal results after treatment.

Targeting the Source with Precision and Comfort

For many individuals, the decision to seek treatment comes down to finding an option that balances effectiveness with comfort. Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization provides that balance by targeting the underlying cause of symptoms rather than simply addressing surface-level discomfort. As a form of treatment, it uses precise, image-guided modalities to deliver consistent results while avoiding the need for more invasive surgical approaches.

A Modern, Minimally Invasive Approach to Lasting Hemorrhoid Relief

At Medical Center Radiologists (located within medical clinics and hospitals in Norfolk, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Suffolk, VA), we know living with hemorrhoid symptoms can be frustrating, especially when they interfere with your daily comfort and quality of life. Fortunately, advances in care have made it possible to find relief without the need for invasive procedures. Interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment offers a modern approach that focuses on addressing the source of the problem while minimizing disruption to your body. By reducing blood flow to the affected areas, this technique allows hemorrhoids to shrink gradually and symptoms to improve over time.

Another key advantage of interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment is how it prioritizes patient comfort and recovery. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve surgical removal of tissue, many patients experience less discomfort and a quicker return to normal routines. This makes it an appealing option for individuals who may have delayed care due to concerns about pain, downtime, or the risks associated with traditional surgery.

As more patients explore alternatives to conventional procedures, interventional radiology hemorrhoid treatment continues to stand out as an effective and patient-centered solution. With its ability to deliver symptom relief while preserving normal anatomy, it represents an important advancement in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids and highlights the growing role of minimally invasive techniques in modern medicine. Learn more about this innovative treatment on our Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization webpage.