Hemorrhoidal Embolization

Hemorrhoids are incredibly common and yours may improve on their own, but if they stick around and cause bleeding, it’s important to know that treating the problem doesn’t need to add to your stress. At Georgia Vascular Institute, vascular specialist and interventional radiologist Kevin Carson, MD, CAQ, is an expert in hemorrhoidal embolization, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats hemorrhoids, stops the bleeding, and lets you get back to life the next day. Call the office in Atlanta or Stockbridge, Georgia, or use online booking to schedule an appointment and learn more about this cutting-edge hemorrhoid treatment.

What is hemorrhoidal embolization?

Hemorrhoidal embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding. At Georgia Vascular Institute, Dr. Carson guides a thin catheter (flexible tube) through your blood vessels and uses it to inject substances that stop blood flow to the hemorrhoid.

This loss of blood reduces pressure, successfully treating your hemorrhoids and stopping any bleeding from hemorrhoidal tissues.

What symptoms might I have if I need a hemorrhoidal embolization?

Hemorrhoids develop when the natural network of blood vessels in and around your anus retain too much blood and become swollen. The blood accumulates as a result of too much pressure on the blood vessels, whether from straining during a bowel movement, constipation, sitting on the toilet too long, or pregnancy.

Embolization treats hemorrhoids that are occurring inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids). Internal hemorrhoids don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, the primary problem is rectal bleeding.

Internal hemorrhoids cause bright red bleeding when you have a bowel movement. You see the blood in the toilet and/or on the toilet paper. You can also develop rectal bleeding that occurs throughout the day. As a result, you lose enough blood to develop anemia.

What type of hemorrhoid needs embolization?

Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they come out of the anus. They’re categorized according to the severity of the prolapse.

• Type 1 (no prolapse)
• Type 2 (prolapses during a bowel movement, then spontaneously returns to the anus)
• Type 3 (prolapses without spontaneously returning, but can be put back manually)
• Type 4 (prolapses and can’t be returned to the anal canal)

Dr. Carson performs an embolization for type 2 and 3 hemorrhoids.

What should I expect during a hemorrhoidal embolization?

A hemorrhoidal embolization is a one-day outpatient procedure that uses light sedation. Dr. Carson makes a tiny cut in your groin and inserts the catheter into a blood vessel.

Using real-time imaging and a contrast dye to see your blood vessels, he guides the catheter to the arteries carrying blood to the hemorrhoid. Then he releases tiny particles or coils into the artery, where they clump together and block blood flow to the hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoidal embolization causes little to no pain and you recover quickly, with the bleeding stopping in a day or two. Most people return to work the next day.

Call Georgia Vascular Institute today or use online booking to request an appointment and learn more about hemorrhoidal embolization.