Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a health problem that can affect your daily activities and overall comfort. While mild haemorrhoids can often be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes, severe cases may require medical treatment. However, many patients hesitate to seek treatment because they are worried about surgery, pain, and recovery time. Fortunately, modern medical technology has introduced minimally invasive treatment options which can help manage this condition without major surgery.
One such treatment is Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation (HAE), which focuses on reducing the blood supply to internal haemorrhoids. But how does haemorrhoid artery embolisation work, and is it suitable for everyone? Well, this procedure uses advanced imaging technology to target the arteries responsible for supplying blood to haemorrhoids. In this post, we will discuss the procedure, recovery time, benefits, possible risks, and everything else you should know before considering this treatment.
What Is Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation?
Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure which is performed by an interventional radiologist. Unlike traditional surgery, this treatment does not involve cutting or removing haemorrhoidal tissue. Instead, it involves blocking selected arteries that supply blood to internal haemorrhoids. As a result, the excessive blood flow is reduced, which can help control bleeding and gradually reduce haemorrhoidal swelling. This makes it a possible treatment option for patients who want to avoid conventional surgery.
How Does Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation Work?
If you are asking yourself how haemorrhoid artery embolisation works, then it is worth knowing what blood vessels do. Internal haemorrhoids have large vascular cushions that may lead to bleeding and pain. In HAE, an interventional radiologist locates the arteries that serve these tissues and occludes the chosen branches with small medical coils or other appropriate embolisation agents. Therefore, the amount of blood that flows to the haemorrhoids is decreased, which contributes to the control of the symptoms without acting directly on the anal canal.
Who Can Have Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation?
All patients with piles will not need embolisation. As a rule, this treatment can be discussed in relation to patients who have repeated bleeding due to internal haemorrhoids despite attempts to use medicines, change their diet, or other conservative methods. Grade I-III internal haemorrhoid patients, especially those with persistent bleeding, can be potential candidates. Nevertheless, it is conditional upon the severity of the condition, medical history, and the presence or absence of symptoms that are actually caused by haemorrhoids.
Pre-Procedural Preparations?
The doctor will thoroughly examine your symptoms and general health status before prescribing HAE. This could include checking your medical history, medications you are taking, past treatment, and frequency of rectal bleeding. Further tests can also be prescribed to verify the diagnosis and eliminate other causes of bleeding. In C3 Medicare, patients will be able to discuss with specialists the available minimally invasive treatment options and whether an interventional radiology procedure is appropriate to address their condition.
What Is the HAE Procedure?
Among the greatest benefits of this procedure is that it does not involve significant surgical cuts. The physician usually uses local anaesthesia and can give the patient mild sedation to ensure they are comfortable. A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted through a small hole in an artery, typically in the groin or the wrist. Using real-time X-ray imaging, the interventional radiologist carefully guides this catheter towards the arteries supplying the haemorrhoids.
What Is the Reduction of Blood Supply?
After the catheter has been inserted into the targeted arteries, the doctor inserts small embolisation materials to block the targeted blood vessels. These substances decrease the overabundance of blood in the arteries without any direct cut in the haemorrhoidal tissue. With the reduction of blood flow, bleeding can be reduced, and the swollen haemorrhoidal tissue can slowly shrink. Thus, learning more about how haemorrhoid artery embolisation works can assist patients to realise why this procedure is not similar to traditional haemorrhoid removal surgery.
What is the Duration of the Process?
The length of HAE varies with the anatomy of the blood vessels of the patient and the complexity of the treatment. The process lasts about 30 minutes to two hours in most instances. Being minimally invasive, patients usually do not need a long hospital stay. Nevertheless, they are followed up following the procedure to make sure that there are no immediate complications. The treating physician will decide when the patient is fit to go home.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After HAE?
One of the key factors that patients might consider when choosing Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation is recovery. The majority of patients are able to go home the same day, based on their health status and post-procedure recovery. Most of them are able to resume light daily activities in one or two days. Nevertheless, intense workouts and heavy lifting might have to be avoided for several days. The physician will give certain guidelines on activity, medication, and follow-up visits.
What Are the Expected Benefits of HAE?
HAE has a number of possible advantages over traditional surgical practices. As there is no incision in the anal canal, patients usually have less post-procedure discomfort and a shorter recovery time. Recurrent rectal bleeding and quality of life can also be improved with the help of the treatment. The other significant benefit is that HAE can be frequently conducted as a day-care procedure. However, not all patients respond in the same way, and some might need further treatment.
Are There Any Risks or Complications?
Even though HAE is regarded as a minimally invasive procedure, it is worth noting that there is no medical procedure that is risk-free. Patients might have short-term discomfort, bruising at the site of catheter insertion, nausea, or slight rectal discomfort. Less frequent complications may involve bleeding, infection, injury to blood vessels, or accidental blockage of blood flow to normal tissues. There is also a possibility of symptoms returning after treatment. Hence, discussing the possible complications with an experienced interventional radiologist is important.
When to see an Interventional Radiologist?
When you have recurrent rectal bleeding, pain, or haemorrhoidal symptoms that are not responding to standard therapy, it is advisable to seek the advice of a specialist. The bleeding of the rectum should not be immediately presumed to be caused by piles since other medical conditions may lead to the same symptoms. A proper analysis can be used to determine the real issue. Patients with heavy bleeding, dizziness, or weakness are advised to seek immediate medical attention instead of waiting to see a doctor during a regular check-up.
Why Use C3 Medicare to treat Haemorrhoids?
In the context of how haemorrhoid artery embolisation works, it is also important to choose a healthcare provider that provides specialised services in the field of interventional radiology. C3 Medicare is a company based in Chembur, Mumbai, that provides minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, such as Haemorrhoidal Artery Embolisation. The centre also offers medical consultations and outpatient support services. Patients will be able to learn about the treatment options available and be guided on the procedure, recovery expectations, and next steps depending on their medical condition.
Conclusion
Haemorrhoids can become uncomfortable and troublesome, especially when repeated bleeding affects your daily routine. Fortunately, Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation offers a minimally invasive approach which may provide relief without conventional surgery. However, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on proper diagnosis and patient selection. If you want to understand your treatment options, consulting a qualified specialist is the best way to determine whether HAE can serve your purpose.
Book Your Consultation at C3 Medicare
Are you suffering from persistent piles or repeated rectal bleeding? C3 Medicare offers specialised interventional radiology services in Chembur, Mumbai, including minimally invasive treatment for internal haemorrhoids. Visit our Haemorrhoids Treatment page to learn more about the available treatment options.
Call C3 Medicare at 022-48972433 to schedule a consultation and find out whether Haemorrhoid Artery Embolisation is suitable for you.
