Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)

What is hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE)?

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive procedure providing relief for patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, by reducing the blood supply to the abnormal hemorrhoidal tissue. HAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), who is a physician specialized in performing procedures through the blood vessels without surgery.

Treatment for:

Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids

Why is it done?

HAE targets the blood supply of internal hemorrhoids. Blocking these arteries shrink internal hemorrhoids and stops bleeding. Studies show promise for long-term relief, with some patients experiencing significant symptom reduction lasting at least a year. HAE offers a minimally invasive option for patients with bothersome internal hemorrhoids who may not be interested in traditional surgical approaches. HAE patients typically experience less post-procedure pain and have faster recovery times than surgery or trans-anal procedures.

How is HAE performed?

HAE is essentially painless and is performed with moderate ‘twilight’ sedation as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient will go home after the procedure. The procedure generally takes about two hours. Our IR physicians will insert a small catheter (a thin hollow tube) into the artery of the patient’s upper thigh or wrist and, with the use of X-rays, guide the catheter to the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Tiny particles and coils are then injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This reduction in blood supply decreases the size of the hemorrhoids and reduces associated symptoms, especially bleeding. 

What happens after the HAE procedure?

Patients go home the same day. In most cases symptoms will improve over the next several weeks as the hemorrhoids shrink in size.

Are you a candidate for HAE?

• Symptomatic grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids, with predominant bleeding symptoms
• Failure of conservative management (diet/bowel habit modifications, topical/oral medications)
• Not interested, or unsuitable for, surgical hemorrhoidectomy or trans-anal procedures

If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for HAE, please contact us at HAE@mednet.ucla.edu or call our clinic at 310-481-7545 to arrange an appointment with one of our IR physicians.