When Is It Time to Consider a Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization?
Oct 15, 2025
For months, you’ve been dealing with discomfort you’d rather not talk about. The itching and bleeding started small, but now even sitting through a workday or enjoying a family dinner feels uncomfortable. You’ve tried creams, added fiber to your diet, and even attempted a few office treatments. Nothing seems to last, and the thought of surgery makes you uneasy.
Hemorrhoids are common (about 1 in 20 adults have them), and for many people, conservative treatments aren’t enough.
That’s where our experts, Drs. John Yoo and Benjamin Wilson of Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, come in.
We offer hemorrhoidal artery embolization, a safe and effective treatment designed to relieve symptoms without the need for invasive surgery.
Here’s a closer look at how it works and whether or not it’s right for you.
Most patients with hemorrhoids start with conservative approaches: eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and using topical treatments. Office procedures, such as rubber band ligation, can also be helpful in many cases.
However, when these strategies don’t provide lasting relief or when symptoms become severe, it may be time to consider other options.
We often recommend hemorrhoidal artery embolization for people with grade one, two, or three internal hemorrhoids that cause frequent bleeding and persistent pain. It’s also a good option for those with recurring hemorrhoids that interfere with quality of life.
Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to hemorrhoids.
Using image guidance, we thread a small catheter through an artery in the wrist or groin. Once we’ve reached the location of the hemorrhoid, we release tiny particles and metallic coils to block the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoids.
Over time and without steady blood flow, the hemorrhoids shrink and symptoms like bleeding and pain improve.
Because there are no incisions and the procedure targets blood vessels rather than tissue, recovery is typically quicker and less painful than surgical alternatives.
One of the best advantages of hemorrhoidal artery embolization is that it’s minimally invasive. We perform this procedure under local anesthesia with light sedation, so you’re kept comfortable but still able to go home the same day.
Recovery is much shorter compared to surgery, and most people return to normal activities within a few days.
Reduced risk of complications is another benefit. Traditional surgery can sometimes cause issues like anal pain or incontinence, but hemorrhoidal artery embolization avoids cutting tissue around the rectum, which lowers those risks significantly.
After hemorrhoidal artery embolization, you may feel some mild discomfort or notice temporary changes in bowel habits, but these side effects usually resolve quickly.
Most patients see an improvement in bleeding and discomfort within the first few weeks, with continued progress as the hemorrhoids shrink.
Follow-up care with us is essential to track your recovery. In some cases, we may recommend additional treatments if symptoms return, but many patients experience long-term relief after a single procedure.
Hemorrhoids can be painful and disruptive, but you don’t have to live with ongoing symptoms.
If conservative treatments haven’t worked and your quality of life is suffering, it may be time to consider hemorrhoidal artery embolization. This minimally invasive option provides effective relief with less downtime and fewer risks compared to surgery.
A consultation with one of our specialists can help you decide if hemorrhoidal artery embolization is the right step for you. Call our friendly staff at 817-321-0951 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.