Hemorrhoid Embolization

Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids:

• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements or when sitting for long periods.
• Itching or irritation, which can be exacerbated by sweating or exposure to moisture
• Bleeding during bowel movements, which can be seen on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
• Swelling which can make it difficult to sit or walk comfortably.
• Lump or bulge that forms around the anus, which can be painful or uncomfortable.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment.

Risk Factors:

While anyone can develop hemorrhoids, there are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing this condition. Here are some of the most common risk factors for hemorrhoids:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Sitting for long periods
• Age
• Family history

Some risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as age and family history, are beyond your control, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a high-fiber diet, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

Diagnoses

Hemorrhoids are typically diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and a physical examination. During the examination, the healthcare professional will examine the anal area for swelling, inflammation, and other signs of hemorrhoids. They may also perform a digital rectal exam to feel for any abnormalities in the rectum. In some cases, your physician may order additional tests, such as an endoscopy, to help diagnose and grade the severity of the hemorrhoids and rule out other conditions.

At Richmond Vascular Center, we work closely with both the primary care physician and patient once they've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, offering a consult and treatment plan before proceeding with the embolization.

Treatment

Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, over-the-counter creams and ointments, and non-surgical minimally invasive methods, such as hemorrhoid banding. In more severe cases, procedures such as Hemorrhoid Embolization may be recommended.

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat hemorrhoids, which are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus or lower rectum. The procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal tissue, which causes it to shrink and eventually disappear.

During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the radial artery in the wrist or femoral artery in the groin area and guided to the small arteries that supply blood to the hemorrhoidal tissue using x-ray technology. Tiny particles and/or coils are then placed into the arteries through the small catheter, which closes off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid embolization is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require general anesthesia. Patients may receive mild sedation or local anesthesia to manage any discomfort during the procedure. The procedure typically takes less than one hour, and patients return home the same day.

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, including pain and rectal bleeding. However, these symptoms typically subside within a few days. Patients may also be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several days after the procedure. In most cases, patients can return to work the following day.

Overall, hemorrhoid embolization is a safe and effective treatment option for hemorrhoids, and most patients can expect to experience relief from their symptoms within a few days of the procedure.

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