Hemorrhoid Treatment in New York & New Jersey
Minimally Invasive Relief from Chronic Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Image-Guided Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause persistent bleeding, pain, itching, and discomfort during daily activities. For many patients, symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes, medications, or office-based treatments—significantly affecting quality of life.
At Vantage Vascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists offer Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE), a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for internal hemorrhoids. This image-guided procedure targets the blood vessels feeding hemorrhoids, reducing bleeding and symptoms without surgery, incisions, or prolonged recovery.
Why Choose HAE at Vantage Vascular
Targeted, Image-Guided Precision
Using advanced X-ray imaging, our specialists guide a tiny catheter through the wrist or groin to reach the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. By precisely reducing blood flow, HAE treats hemorrhoids at the source while preserving surrounding tissue.
Minimally Invasive, No Surgery
HAE requires only a small puncture—no cutting, stitches, or removal of tissue. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
Reduced Pain and Fast Recovery
Unlike surgical hemorrhoidectomy, HAE causes minimal discomfort and avoids painful wounds. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days with little to no downtime.
Expert, Patient-Centered Care
Our interventional radiologists collaborate closely with your gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist to ensure HAE fits seamlessly into your care plan. From consultation to recovery, your comfort, education, and long-term results are our priority.
Understanding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the rectum and anus. Internal hemorrhoids, which form inside the rectum, are the most common cause of chronic rectal bleeding and may not respond well to conservative treatments alone.
Common hemorrhoid symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding during bowel movements
- Pain or discomfort
- Itching or irritation
- A feeling of fullness or pressure
- Anemia related to chronic blood loss
While dietary changes, topical treatments, or rubber band ligation may help some patients, persistent symptoms often require a more targeted solution. Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization offers an effective alternative without surgery.
How Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization Works
Step 1 Access and
Imaging
The procedure begins with a small puncture in the wrist or groin. Using real-time imaging, the interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the hemorrhoids.
Step 2 Targeted
Embolization
Microscopic particles and coils are carefully delivered to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink over time and significantly reduces bleeding.
Step 3 Recovery
and Results
Because no tissue is removed and no incisions are made, recovery is typically quick. Most patients experience symptom improvement within weeks, with continued progress over several months.
Expected Outcomes and Recovery
High Rates of Symptom Improvement
Clinical studies show that up to 90% of patients experience significant reduction in bleeding and hemorrhoid-related symptoms following HAE.
Minimal Downtime
HAE is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients typically return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours and resume normal routines shortly thereafter.
Improved Comfort and Quality of Life
By avoiding surgery and painful recovery, HAE allows patients to achieve lasting relief with fewer risks and disruptions to daily life.
What to Know About Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
Who is a candidate for HAE?
HAE is ideal for patients with symptomatic grade I–III internal hemorrhoids, especially those with significant bleeding who have not found relief from conservative treatments or want to avoid surgery.
How long does the procedure take?
The HAE procedure typically takes about one hour, followed by a short observation period before going home the same day.
When will I notice improvement?
Many patients notice reduced bleeding within weeks. Continued improvement occurs as the hemorrhoids shrink over time.
Are there risks or side effects?
HAE is very safe. Mild pelvic discomfort or fatigue may occur briefly after the procedure. Serious complications are rare.
Is HAE covered by insurance?
Yes. Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is covered by Medicare and most major insurance providers when medically indicated. Our team will assist with insurance verification and pre-authorizations.
HAE vs. Rubber Band Ligation vs. Hemorrhoidectomy
Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)
A quick, office-based procedure in which a small rubber band is placed at the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off within days. RBL requires no anesthesia and involves little downtime, making it a reasonable first step for smaller, early-stage (grade I–II) hemorrhoids. Because only one or two hemorrhoids can typically be banded per visit, patients with multiple or larger hemorrhoids may need several sessions, and symptoms can return over time.
Hemorrhoidectomy
The traditional surgical option, in which hemorrhoidal tissue is surgically removed. Hemorrhoidectomy is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia in an operating room and remains one of the most effective treatments for large, prolapsing, or mixed internal/external hemorrhoids (grade III–IV). It also comes with the most involved recovery of the three options—often two to four weeks—along with post-surgical pain and a higher risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or difficulty with bowel movements during healing.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
An image-guided, catheter-based procedure that blocks the arteries feeding the hemorrhoidal tissue rather than removing it. HAE requires no incisions, is performed under light sedation on an outpatient basis, and allows most patients to return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours. It's particularly well suited for patients with persistent bleeding from grade I–III internal hemorrhoids who haven't found relief through conservative treatment or who want to avoid the pain and downtime of surgery.
| Rubber Band Ligation |
HAE |
Hemorrhoidectomy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimal |
Minimally invasive |
Surgical |
| Anesthesia | None |
Light sedation |
General/spinal |
| Setting | Office |
Outpatient |
Operating room |
| Typical recovery | 1–2 days |
24–48 hours |
2–4 weeks |
| Best suited for | Small, early-stage hemorrhoids |
Grade I–III with bleeding |
Large, prolapsing, or mixed hemorrhoids |
| Pain level | Mild |
Minimal |
Significant |
Hemorrhoid Embolization vs. Surgery
For patients weighing HAE against a surgical hemorrhoidectomy, the decision often comes down to a trade-off between invasiveness and the extent of the hemorrhoidal disease being treated.
Why patients choose HAE over surgery
No cutting or tissue removal.
Faster return to normal life.
Lower pain profile.
Outpatient, same-day procedure.
When surgery may still be the better option Hemorrhoidectomy remains the most effective treatment for advanced, prolapsing, or mixed internal/external hemorrhoids where embolization alone may not fully resolve symptoms. Patients with very large or grade IV hemorrhoids, or significant external hemorrhoidal tissue, are often better candidates for surgical removal.
The best way to determine which approach fits your situation is a consultation with a board-certified interventional radiologist who can evaluate your hemorrhoid grade, symptoms, and treatment history.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Hemorrhoid Relief
At Vantage Vascular, we believe patients deserve effective treatment without unnecessary pain or surgery. Our minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment helps restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life—safely and efficiently.