Have you heard about hemorrhoid embolization? This is one of the newest, an dleadt invasive, ways to treat internal hemorrhoids. But what are internal hemorrhoids, who do they affect, and why is HE such an effective treatment? Keep reading to find out!
Why do you get internal hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form inside the rectum. Typically, they're the result of pressure due to constipation or straining to pass bowel movements. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include bleeding when you pass stool along with itching and mild discomfort.
We classify these hemorrhoids based on the severity of symptoms, using a scale that runs between grades 1 and 4. While discomfort may not be your first symptom, you're quite likely to learn you have internal hemorrhoids after noticing blood spots on your toilet paper or in your toilet bowl.
Treating hemorrhoids: what are the options?
If you have Grade 1 (or mild) hemorrhoids, simple changes, like increasing your water and fiber intake can usually offer relief. However, if you have grade 2, 3 or 4 hemorrhoids, you will likely need to seek medical interventions. Previously, your best option would have been surgical treatment. However, as of 10 years ago, there's a new treatment option in town: hemorrhoid embolization. And, according to research, this minimally invasive treatment option provides equal or better results than surgical removal of hemorrhoids. Plus, the recovery period is shorter and easier, and there's a lower likelihood of complications.
Understanding hemorrhoid embolization
Internal hemorrhoids involve your Corpus Cavernosum Recti (CCR) network of veins and arteries. For that reason, if we reduce CCR blood flow with embolization, we can also reduce the pain, pressure, itching and bleeding associated with internal hemorrhoids.
What should you expect during your embolization? First, our interventional radiologists insert a small catheter through your wrist or groin. Using this tiny access point, we then guide that catheter to blood vessels in the rectum with the help of X-ray imaging. Once in place, we can then implant small coils in those blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood and your symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. Just about 45 minutes later, you'll be ready to go, returning to work the next day and avoiding an overnight hospital stay.
Hemorrhoid embolization success rates
While hemorrhoid embolization only developed 10 years ago, results regarding its efficacy are promising. One 2016 study followed 40 French patients with grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids; one month after their embolizations, none had experienced post-procedural complications, and 94% of participants achieved relief.
By 2018, a more recent study followed checked in with 25 grade 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoid patients, one year after they had hemorrhoid embolizations. Again, none of the patients experienced post-procedural complications. And 78% of them were still symptom-free and enjoying lasting relief from hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Embolization in Georgia
While hemorrhoid embolization is safe and effective, it's only recommended for patients with grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids. Before coming to our Georgia Hemorrhoid institute, try lifestyle changes to see if they can provide relief. Then, if you still experience the pain, itching and bleeding of internal hemorrhoids, come and schedule a consult with our interventional radiologists!
Why choose hemorrhoid embolization over other minimally invasive internal hemorrhoid treatments? And what are the other treatment options for your condition? This post shares all the important information.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, those swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum, can take two forms: internal, meaning they've developed inside your rectum, and external, meaning they've developed on the outside. While external hemorrhoids are typically more painful, internal hemorrhoids can also cause itchiness and discomfort, along with bleeding.
As a result, chronic bleeding is the most common symptom for people with internal hemorrhoids. And that's why we see many patients coming into our Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute who have noticed blood in their stool.
Treating Hemorrhoids in Georgia: What are the Options?
To date, you can choose from several minimally invasive internal hemorrhoid treatment options. Some involve lifestyle changes such as modifying your diet; others require oral medications or injections; still others entail procedures like a rubber band ligation. However, these options fail at least 10% of patients with internal hemorrhoids.
In the past, that meant having to schedule hemorrhoidectomy surgery to remove your swollen veins. However, as with any surgery, there were risks of complications. Luckily, there's now a better option available: hemorrhoid embolization.
Understanding Hemorrhoid Embolization
For approximately 10 years, hemorrhoid embolization has offered minimally-invasive treatment for stage 1 through stage 3 level internal hemorrhoids. Unlike other treatment options, hemorrhoid embolization doesn't lead to anal incontinence and won't cause rectal wounds. Plus, you don't lose the tissue that surrounds your hemorrhoids, and you don't have to have general anesthesia or stay overnight in the hospital. And, within three days of the procedure, most patients can resume all normal activities.
While these are all clear benefits, you may wonder, how long does hemorrhoid embolization last? Here again, the news is promising. Because the success rate for hemorrhoid embolization is about 90%, whereas many other treatment options come with 49% recurrence rates.
Looking for lasting relief from the discomfort, itchiness and bleeding of internal hemorrhoids, but hoping to avoid invasive surgery, major lifestyle changes or even the high likelihood of recurrence after treatment? Contact the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute to connect with our interventional radiologists. We'll schedule you for a consultation and determine whether you're a good candidate for hemorrhoid embolization.
