Hemorrhoids are very common, affecting almost half of people over the age of 50.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may result from pregnancy, obesity, lifting heavy weights, frequent constipation or diarrhea, and straining during bowel movements.
There are four types of hemorrhoids:
In many instances, hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with dietary changes and behavior modifications. If these treatments are ineffective, or if the hemorrhoids cause bleeding or lead to pain or other complications, hemorrhoid embolization may be a good option.
Hemorrhoid embolization is a treatment for internal hemorrhoids that offers long-lasting relief. It is minimally invasive, painless, and has virtually no recovery time.
Hemorrhoid embolization is performed by a special doctor called an interventional radiologist. During the procedure, the doctor uses X-ray guidance to insert a catheter through your leg and into the blood vessels that are connected to the hemorrhoids. Tiny metallic coils are released through the catheter and into the blood vessels. The coils block the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, which stops the bleeding and relieves pain and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids are common and occur in approximately 50% of people during their life with a peak incidence at the age of 45-65 years. They can be caused through an increase in pressure in the lower rectum by the following reasons: straining, sitting for long periods, spinal cord injury, chronic constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse, family history of hemorrhoids or excessive exercise.
Eating high fiber food, drinking enough fluid and exercise help preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Avoid straining when sitting on the toilet and in general, long periods of sitting.
Hemorrhoid Embolization is the best option for you if you suffer from grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids and treatment with hygiene and dietary measures, medication or non-surgical minimally invasive methods are not sucessful. Also, if you did not benefit from a surgical treatment, this technique may be the right option for you. Prior to your treatment a CT Angiography will be performed to identify if this procedure is suitable for your vascular anatomy.