At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center, we offer hemorrhoid embolization — an innovative solution that can help you find relief from persistent pain and bleeding caused by internal hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to internal hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink naturally. Unlike traditional hemorrhoid surgery, there’s no need for incisions or tissue removal, making it an excellent option for patients seeking a gentler alternative. Depending on your needs, hemorrhoid embolization can be performed separately or in conjunction with hemorrhoid banding procedures (typically performed by a GI specialist).

When considering treatment options for hemorrhoids, it’s helpful to understand how hemorrhoid embolization compares to other common approaches.

Conservative measures like dietary changes, topical creams and sitz baths may provide temporary relief for mild cases but rarely address the underlying issue. Hemorrhoid embolization offers a more definitive solution by targeting the source of the problem.

Rubber band ligation involves placing a small elastic band around the base of a hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. While effective for smaller hemorrhoids, this technique can cause significant discomfort and typically treats only one hemorrhoid at a time.

Traditional hemorrhoidectomy involves surgically removing hemorrhoid tissue. While effective, this procedure typically results in significant pain, bleeding, and a recovery period of several weeks.

Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the rectal area become enlarged and inflamed.

Anyone can get hemorrhoids, but the risk increases with age. Other risk factors include:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Low-fiber diets
• Lifting heavy objects

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization offers several distinct advantages over more invasive surgical approaches, including: 

• Minimally invasive treatment with a quick recovery
• No general anesthesia
• Lasting relief from hemorrhoids
• Safe, effective treatment without major surgery
• No anorectal trauma
• Treats multiple hemorrhoids at once

For patients who have been dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids for months or even years, these advantages make hemorrhoid embolization an attractive alternative to more invasive surgical options.

Hemorrhoids are classified into four grades based on their severity, which helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach:

• Grade 1: Internal hemorrhoids that bleed but don’t protrude through the anus
• Grade 2: Internal hemorrhoids that protrude during straining but retract spontaneously
• Grade 3: Internal hemorrhoids that protrude during straining and require manual reduction
• Grade 4: Internal hemorrhoids that are permanently prolapsed and cannot be manually reduced

Hemorrhoidal artery embolization is particularly effective for grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids. For grade 1 hemorrhoids, conservative measures may be sufficient, while grade 4 hemorrhoids might require surgical intervention. At OCIR, our specialists will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on your specific condition.

Lake Forest

29300 Portola Parkway, Suite B

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Mission Viejo

26921 Crown Valley Parkway, #120

Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Irvine

18102 Sky Park Circle South, Suite D

Irvine, CA 92614

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