If you’ve been quietly dealing with hemorrhoid bleeding, pressure, or discomfort for months, or even years, you’re not alone. You might benefit from Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization. Hemorrhoids affect an estimated 10–20 million Americans, yet many people avoid seeking treatment because they fear surgery or feel embarrassed to bring it up with a doctor.

Here’s what most people don’t know: there’s now a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids with no incisions, no general anesthesia, and virtually no recovery time. It’s called Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE), and it’s performed right here at Ozark Region Vein Center.

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization — also called HAE or the “Emborrhoid” technique — is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to treat symptomatic internal hemorrhoids by reducing their blood supply. With less blood flowing to the engorged hemorrhoidal tissue, hemorrhoids shrink, bleeding stops, and symptoms improve.

HAE is performed by an interventional radiologist — a physician specially trained to treat conditions through the blood vessels using imaging guidance, rather than open surgery.

Important note: HAE is designed specifically for internal hemorrhoids. It is not a treatment for external hemorrhoids, which form outside the anal canal and require a different approach. If you’re unsure which type you have, a consultation with our team can help clarify your options.

How the Procedure Works: Step by Step

HAE is straightforward, and most patients are surprised by how simple the experience is.

Access
Using X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), your interventional radiologist makes a small puncture — typically in the upper thigh (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery).
Catheter Guidance
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoidal tissue. An angiogram (a contrast dye study) helps pinpoint the exact vessels responsible.
Embolization
Tiny particles (microspheres) or small metal coils — or a combination of both — are delivered through the catheter to block blood flow to the hemorrhoidal arteries. This is the core of the procedure: cutting off the blood supply that causes hemorrhoids to enlarge and bleed.
Recovery
Once complete, the catheter is removed, and a small closure device seals the access site. Most patients are observed briefly and discharged the same day, typically within two hours of the procedure.

The average procedure takes approximately 45–120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the anatomy.

Who Is a Good Candidate for HAE?

HAE is a strong option if you:

Have internal hemorrhoids causing bleeding, pressure, or discomfort
Have tried conservative measures — dietary changes, fiber supplements, sitz baths, topical creams — without lasting relief
Want to avoid traditional hemorrhoidectomy surgery or prolonged recovery
Are not a candidate for surgery due to other health conditions
Have had rubber band ligation but experienced recurrence or unsatisfactory results

A consultation with our team will include a review of your symptoms and medical history to confirm whether HAE is appropriate for you.

What Are the Benefits of HAE?

Compared to surgical hemorrhoidectomy or even common office procedures like rubber band ligation, HAE offers several meaningful advantages:

No Surgery, No General Anesthesia

HAE requires only a small needle puncture — no surgical cuts, no stitches. Light sedation (twilight sedation) is typically used, so patients are relaxed and comfortable throughout.

Same-Day, Outpatient Treatment

Published clinical data from a study of 134 consecutive HAE patients found that 100% were discharged the same day, typically within two hours of the procedure. You return home the day of treatment.

Minimal Recovery Time

Unlike a hemorrhoidectomy — which can require 1–2 weeks away from work and significant post-operative pain — HAE patients typically resume normal activities within a day or two.

Low Complication Rate

Research published in leading interventional radiology journals confirms the incidence of adverse events with HAE is very low. Minor anal discomfort occurs in a small subset of patients, but serious anorectal complications are rare when embolization is performed correctly.

Treats All Internal Hemorrhoidal Tissue at Once

Unlike rubber band ligation, which addresses one hemorrhoid at a time (and often requires multiple sessions), HAE reduces blood flow to all internal hemorrhoidal vessels in a single procedure.

HAE vs. Other Internal Hemorrhoid Treatments

Treatment	Invasiveness	Anesthesia	Recovery Time	Recurrence Rate
HAE	Minimally invasive	Twilight sedation	1–2 days	Low
Rubber Band Ligation	Office procedure	None / local	1–3 days	Higher (~47%)
Hemorrhoidectomy	Surgical	General / spinal	1–2 weeks	Lowest
Conservative care	N/A	N/A	Ongoing management	N/A

Rubber band ligation (RBL) is widely used and can be effective in the short term, but research shows recurrence rates around 47% within 12 months for grade III hemorrhoids, often requiring repeat procedures.

Hemorrhoidectomy has the lowest long-term recurrence rates, but it comes with significant post-operative pain, a longer recovery, and the risks associated with general anesthesia. For many patients — particularly those who can’t take extended time off work or who have other health conditions — it’s simply not the right fit.

HAE fills an important gap: it’s more durable than rubber band ligation and far less disruptive than surgery.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After

Before Your Procedure

You’ll have a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists to review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging. You may be asked to avoid blood thinners and fast for several hours before the procedure.

During the Procedure

Most patients feel little to no discomfort during HAE. Twilight sedation keeps you relaxed, and the procedure itself is conducted under continuous imaging guidance. You’ll be awake but comfortable.

After the Procedure

You’ll rest briefly at our facility and then go home the same day. Some patients experience mild pelvic or rectal discomfort in the days following treatment — this is normal and typically resolves quickly. It is recommended that strenuous activity be restricted for a short period.

Follow-Up

Our team will follow up with you to track your symptoms and ensure your recovery is on track. Most patients begin to notice improvement in bleeding and discomfort within days to weeks of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About HAE

Is hemorrhoid artery embolization painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure thanks to twilight sedation. Post-procedure discomfort is generally mild and short-lived.

How long does it take to see results?
Many patients notice reduced bleeding within the first few weeks. Full improvement in hemorrhoid size and symptoms may continue over several months as the tissue gradually shrinks.

Will my hemorrhoids come back after HAE?
Clinical outcomes have been promising. Studies report significant symptom reduction lasting at least a year in many patients. As with any hemorrhoid treatment, ongoing dietary habits and lifestyle factors can influence long-term outcomes.

Does insurance cover HAE?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our team can assist you in understanding your benefits and any prior authorization requirements.

Can I be treated if I have both internal and external hemorrhoids?
HAE specifically targets internal hemorrhoids. If you also have external hemorrhoids, we can discuss all appropriate options during your consultation.

What is the difference between HAE and hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL)?
Both approaches target the blood supply to hemorrhoids, but they work differently. HAL is a transanal (through the rectum) procedure that physically ties off vessels under Doppler guidance. HAE is endovascular — performed entirely through the blood vessels using a catheter inserted at the wrist or thigh — meaning there is no instrument placed directly through the rectum.

Why Choose Ozark Region Vein Center for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

At Ozark Region Vein Center, our interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments — exactly the expertise HAE demands. We treat patients throughout the Ozarks region, including Rogers, AR and surrounding Northwest Arkansas communities, in a comfortable outpatient setting.

We understand that dealing with hemorrhoids can feel embarrassing or discouraging, especially if you’ve tried other treatments without lasting relief. Our team approaches every patient with discretion, compassion, and a commitment to finding the right treatment for your specific situation.

If you have internal hemorrhoids and are looking for a non-surgical option, we’d like to talk with you.

Schedule a Consultation at Ozark Region Vein Center →

Additional Resources

For those who want to learn more about hemorrhoids and available treatments, the following reputable sources provide reliable information:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether hemorrhoid artery embolization is appropriate for your individual situation.

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Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids