If you are searching for hemorrhoid embolization in Birmingham or Pelham, AL, you may be looking for a less invasive option after ongoing rectal bleeding, discomfort, pressure, or irritation has not improved with conservative care.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization, also called HAE, is a minimally invasive procedure for select patients with internal hemorrhoids. Instead of surgically removing hemorrhoids, HAE reduces the blood flow feeding them, which can help shrink the hemorrhoids and improve symptoms.
At Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Alabama, patients from Birmingham, Pelham, and surrounding Central Alabama areas can schedule a consultation to learn whether HAE may be appropriate.
Schedule a Hemorrhoid Embolization Consultation
Contact UsHemorrhoid Embolization Success Rate
Many patients considering HAE want to know how well the procedure works. Current evidence shows 70 - 90% success in reducing rectal bleeding and internal hemorrhoid related discomfort. Focusing on larger studies with more patients and data, we see 80 - 90 % success rate in reducing these symptoms.
Results can vary based on hemorrhoid grade, anatomy, prior treatments, bowel habits, and whether symptoms are truly caused by internal hemorrhoids. That is why evaluation is important before deciding on HAE.
For the right candidate, hemorrhoid artery embolization may offer meaningful symptom improvement without surgical cutting, stitches, or general anesthesia.
Who May Be a Candidate for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?
HAE is not the right choice for every patient with hemorrhoid symptoms. It is most often considered for selected patients with internal hemorrhoids who have not found enough relief from conservative care.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Persistent rectal bleeding from internal hemorrhoids
- Pressure, swelling, or discomfort related to internal hemorrhoids
- Symptoms that continue despite fiber, hydration, stool softeners, creams, or sitz baths
- Internal hemorrhoids that a clinician has evaluated
- A desire to avoid surgery when appropriate
- A reason to consider a less invasive alternative to hemorrhoidectomy
- Grade I–III internal hemorrhoids, if confirmed by evaluation
A consultation is needed to confirm the cause of symptoms and determine whether HAE is the right treatment option.
Why Evaluation Matters Before HAE
Rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be hemorrhoids. Other digestive or colorectal conditions can cause bleeding, discomfort, pressure, or changes in bowel habits.
Before hemorrhoid embolization, patients may need a medical evaluation to confirm that internal hemorrhoids are the source of symptoms. Depending on your history, this may include a physical exam, anoscopy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or other testing recommended by your clinician.
The goal is to make sure the treatment matches the diagnosis.
A consultation is needed to confirm the cause of symptoms and determine whether HAE is the right treatment option.
HAE vs Other Hemorrhoid Treatments
Hemorrhoid treatment depends on symptom severity, hemorrhoid type, prior treatment, and patient goals.
Treatment Option | Often Used For | Notes |
Fiber, Hydration, Stool Softeners | Mild or early symptoms | Usually first-line care |
Creams, Suppositories, Sitz Baths | Short-term irritation relief | Does not treat blood supply |
Rubber Band Ligation | Some internal hemorrhoids | Office-based procedure |
Sclerotherapy / IRC | Selected internal hemorrhoids | May help smaller hemorrhoids |
Hemorrhoidectomy | Severe or advanced hemorrhoids | More invasive surgical option |
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization | Selected internal hemorrhoids | Minimally invasive, no surgical cutting |
HAE may be a good option for patients who want to avoid surgery and have symptoms that fit an embolization approach.
Minimally Invasive Hemorrhoid Treatment From Interventional Radiologists
Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Alabama was founded by Dr. Jeremy Ferris and Dr. Louis Lucas, interventional radiologists with more than 20 years of experience in image-guided, minimally invasive care.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization requires catheter-based skill, image guidance, and careful patient selection. The VISOFAL team evaluates each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending whether HAE is appropriate.
Patient-Focused, Minimally Invasive Care
Patients often want to know what the experience is like before scheduling a consultation. Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Alabama highlights patient stories related to minimally invasive treatments, compassionate care, and improved quality of life.
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Read Patient ReviewsHemorrhoid Embolization in Birmingham, Pelham, and Central Alabama
Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Alabama provides minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment consultations for patients from Birmingham, Pelham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Alabaster, Helena, Bessemer, Chelsea, Calera, and surrounding areas. Patients searching for hemorrhoid embolization or hemorrhoid artery embolization in Birmingham can schedule an appointment to learn whether HAE is an appropriate option.
Common nearby ZIP codes served include: 35124, 35242, 35243, 35244, 35216, 35209, 35007, 35080, 35022, 35043, 35040, 35226.
Frequently Asked Questions - Hemorrhoid Embolization
Yes. Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Alabama offers consultation for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization for patients in Birmingham, Pelham, and surrounding Central Alabama communities.
Clinical studies have shown a 70–90% success rate in reducing rectal bleeding and discomfort related to internal hemorrhoids. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, hemorrhoid grade, anatomy, and prior treatment history.
HAE and hemorrhoid surgery treat different situations. HAE may be appropriate for selected internal hemorrhoids and is less invasive than surgery. Hemorrhoidectomy may still be needed for severe or advanced cases.
Patients may not be candidates if their symptoms are caused by another condition, if hemorrhoids are primarily external, or if their anatomy or medical history makes embolization inappropriate. A consultation is needed to determine candidacy.
Procedure time can vary. The current VISOFAL page notes that the procedure typically takes about 45 to 90 minutes.
Recovery varies, but many patients return to light activity quickly. The VISOFAL page notes that many patients resume light activity within 1–2 days and return to full normal activity within 3–5 days.
