Hemorrhoid Embolization
in Fort Lauderdale
Advanced Hemorrhoid
Treatment & Removal
An estimated 1 in 20 Americans suffer from the discomfort of symptomatic hemorrhoids, a common condition that can cause significant pain, bleeding, and disruption to daily life. At Fox Vein & Laser Experts in Fort Lauderdale, we offer an advanced, minimally invasive solution for hemorrhoids removal: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE).
This cutting-edge hemorrhoid treatment targets the root cause of your discomfort, offering lasting relief without the need for painful surgery or a lengthy recovery. Our team, led by renowned interventional radiologist Dr. Adam Gropper, is dedicated to helping you regain comfort and improve your quality of life with this state-of-the-art procedure.
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. The discomfort they cause often worsens as blood flow to the inflamed vessels increases. HAE is a specialized, minimally invasive procedure performed in our Fort Lauderdale clinic that precisely blocks this excessive blood flow. This leads to a significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and swelling, effectively causing the hemorrhoids to shrink and disappear.
Common Symptoms
of Hemorrhoids
- Painless bright red blood during or after bowel movements
- Itching or irritation in the anal region
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- A sensitive or painful lump near the anus
- Swelling around the anus
- A sensation that the bowel isn’t completely empty
HAE vs. Traditional Hemorrhoid Treatments
| Feature |
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) |
Hemorrhoidectomy (Surgery) | Conservative Management (Creams, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness |
Minimally Invasive |
Highly Invasive | Non-Invasive |
| Anesthesia |
Local Anesthesia + Moderate Sedation |
General Anesthesia | None |
| Recovery Time |
1-2 Days |
2-4 Weeks | Ongoing |
| Hospital Stay |
Outpatient (Same Day) |
Often requires 1-2 day stay | None |
| Pain Level |
Minimal |
High | Variable |
| Success Rate |
>90% |
~95% | Low for persistent cases |
| Risks |
Low |
Higher (Infection, incontinence) | Low |
What is
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?
HAE is a cutting-edge, non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment designed to block blood flow to the rectal arteries that supply hemorrhoids. By precisely targeting and blocking these vessels with microscopic particles, HAE significantly reduces pressure and blood flow, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink and symptoms to resolve.
This innovative approach provides substantial relief from bleeding and discomfort without affecting the surrounding tissue. Clinical studies have demonstrated that over 90% of patients experience a significant, long-term improvement in their symptoms after undergoing HAE, making it a highly effective alternative to traditional hemorrhoids removal surgery.
How is
Hemorrhoid Embolization Performed?
Our HAE procedure is a safe and effective outpatient hemorrhoid treatment that typically lasts under 90 minutes. Patients remain comfortable with local anesthesia and moderate sedation, minimizing side effects. Dr. Gropper, a highly skilled interventional radiologist, makes a tiny incision in the wrist or groin to access an artery.
Using advanced imaging guidance, a microcatheter (thinner than a strand of spaghetti) is navigated into the specific rectal arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Tiny, FDA-approved embolic particles are then injected to create a precise blockage. This reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoids while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Similar to our prostate embolization and uterine fibroid embolization procedures, patients go home the same day with just a small bandage and often begin to feel relief within a few days.
Schedule Your Appointment
Fox Vein & Laser Experts
Redefining Patient Care
Our team, led by renowned interventional radiologist, Dr. Adam Gropper, brings advanced, academic-level expertise to every HAE procedure. We are one of the most experienced centers for this procedure in the nation. From your first consultation to your recovery, we provide personalized care focused on your comfort, safety, and delivering the best possible results in our comfortable, spa-like setting.
Meet Our Lead Physician:
Dr. Adam Gropper MD, FSIR, FCIRSE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hemorrhoid Embolization
What is the success rate of hemorrhoid embolization?
HAE has a clinical success rate of over 90% for providing long-term relief from symptoms like bleeding and pain, with studies showing significant improvement in patient quality of life.
Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization safe?
Yes, HAE is a very safe procedure with a significantly lower risk of major complications compared to traditional surgery. Like other minimally invasive embolization procedures we perform, it has an excellent safety profile.
How does HAE compare to surgery?
HAE is far less invasive, involves minimal pain, requires only local anesthesia, and has a recovery time of just a few days compared to several weeks for surgery.
Will my insurance cover hemorrhoid embolization?
Many insurance plans cover HAE as it is a recognized treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids. Our team will assist you with verifying your coverage.
Can hemorrhoids come back after embolization?
The recurrence rate after HAE is very low. By cutting off the blood supply, the hemorrhoids shrink and the likelihood of them returning in the same location is minimal.
When will I experience pain relief after HAE?
Most patients begin to notice a significant reduction in symptoms like bleeding and pain within a few days to a week after the procedure, with continued improvement over time.
Am I a candidate for this hemorrhoid treatment in Fort Lauderdale?
You may be an excellent candidate if you have recurrent or severe internal hemorrhoids (Grade 2-3) that have not responded to conservative treatments, or if you wish to avoid the pain and long recovery of surgery.
How long do the results of HAE last?
For the vast majority of patients, the results are long-lasting, providing years of relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.