Typical in-office procedure
Interventional radiologists
Enlarged internal hemorrhoids that stay inside the rectum. Symptoms often improve with fiber, hydration, and lifestyle changes.
Prolapse during a bowel movement but return inside on their own. Some patients with symptomatic grade 2 hemorrhoids may be candidates for HAE.
Prolapse during a bowel movement and require manual adjustment to return inside. HAE may be an option for appropriately selected patients.
Remain prolapsed outside the anus and cannot be pushed back inside. These hemorrhoids often require surgical evaluation rather than embolization.
Hard stools and repeated straining can increase pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal area.
Not getting enough fiber can contribute to constipation and harder bowel movements.
Spending long periods sitting, particularly on the toilet, can increase pressure in the pelvic and rectal veins.
Pregnancy can increase pressure on the veins of the pelvis and lower rectum.
Repeated heavy lifting and straining can increase pressure within the abdomen and pelvic region.
Changes in connective tissue over time and a family history of hemorrhoids may increase the likelihood of developing them.
Persistent or recurring symptoms deserve medical attention, particularly when they begin interfering with your normal routine.
If you have recurring rectal bleeding, significant pain, or symptoms that are not improving with home care, talk with a healthcare provider.
Access: A tiny needle puncture provides access through an artery in the wrist or groin. A thin catheter is carefully guided into position using advanced imaging.
Target: The catheter is directed to the arteries supplying the internal hemorrhoids, allowing your physician to target the abnormal blood flow contributing to your symptoms.
Embolize: Tiny particles and, when appropriate, coils are delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue.
HAE does not require a hospital stay. Most patients are able to return home the day of treatment.
HAE does not require cutting out the hemorrhoids or creating a surgical wound in the rectal area.
Treatment is performed through a tiny access point rather than a traditional surgical incision.
Because HAE does not remove hemorrhoid tissue, recovery is usually far less disruptive than surgery.
We accept Medicare and most major health insurance plans. Our team can verify your benefits and help you understand your expected coverage before treatment.
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery Time | Anesthesia | Pain after treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) WHAT WE DO | Minimally invasive (pinhole) | Often a few days | Light/moderate sedation | Typically minimal; no surgical rectal wound |
| Rubber band ligation | Minimally invasive | Usually a few days | Usually none | Mild to moderate; repeat treatment may be needed |
| Hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal) | Surgical | Often several weeks | General or spinal | Moderate to significant during recovery |
| Stapled hemorrhoidopexy | Surgical | Often 1-2 weeks | General anesthesia | Moderate |
| Creams & home care | Non-invasive | Ongoing | None | May continue if symptoms persist |
Your procedure is performed by board-certified interventional radiologists experienced in image-guided embolization procedures.
Advanced imaging allows your physician to identify and selectively treat the arteries contributing to your hemorrhoid symptoms.
Your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and goals are considered when determining whether HAE is appropriate for you.
Specialized hemorrhoid care is available in Atlanta, Tucker, and Stockbridge, making it easier to choose a location close to home.
3225 Cumberland Blvd. Southeast
Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30339
1975 Lakeside Pkwy
Suite 300
Tucker, GA 30084
1035 Southcrest Dr.
Suite 220 + 250
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or around the anus. They can cause symptoms including rectal bleeding, itching, pressure, swelling, and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids can develop when increased pressure causes the blood vessels in the rectal area to enlarge. Constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, heavy lifting, aging, and other factors can contribute.
Internal hemorrhoids commonly cause bright red rectal bleeding, particularly during or after bowel movements. More advanced internal hemorrhoids may also prolapse and cause pressure, irritation, mucus discharge, or difficulty with hygiene.
You should seek medical evaluation if bleeding keeps returning, symptoms persist despite home treatment, pain becomes significant, or tissue continues to prolapse. Rectal bleeding can have causes other than hemorrhoids, so it should not automatically be attributed to hemorrhoids.
No. Georgia Endovascular does not perform the initial diagnosis of hemorrhoids. Patients should receive an appropriate evaluation and diagnosis from their primary care provider, gastroenterologist, or another qualified healthcare professional before being referred for HAE treatment.
HAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. A thin catheter is guided through an artery in the wrist or groin to the vessels supplying the hemorrhoids. Embolic material is then used to reduce that blood flow, allowing the hemorrhoids to shrink over time.
No. HAE is designed primarily for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Georgia Endovascular does not treat external or thrombosed hemorrhoids with HAE.
HAE is performed with sedation and local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable during treatment. Because the procedure does not require surgically removing hemorrhoid tissue, patients avoid the surgical wound associated with a hemorrhoidectomy. Individual experiences vary.
Coverage depends on your individual health plan and whether the treatment meets your insurer's medical-necessity requirements. Georgia Endovascular accepts Medicare and most major insurance plans, and our team can verify your benefits before treatment.
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