Rectal Artery Embolization (RAE) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for chronic hemorrhoidal disease, offering a safer alternative to traditional surgical methods like hemorrhoidectomy.
HOW DOES RAE WORK:
RAE reduces blood flow to internal hemorrhoids by using small particles and coils to shrink them and stop bleeding.
WHAT IS EMBOLIZATION:
Embolization is a technique where your Interventional Radiologist uses tiny particles or coils to block certain blood vessels.
BENEFITS OF RAE:
- Effective Symptom Relief: This procedure has a high success rate (93%-100%) and clinical improvement (63%-94%) reported in studies, with significant reduction in bleeding and discomfort.
- Low Risk of Complications: The complication rates are low, with no reported anal complications or sphincter dysfunction, making it a safe option for eligible patients.
- Suitable for Various Grades of Hemorrhoids: RAE is effective for grades II–III hemorrhoidal prolapse and can be considered for grade I and IV cases under specific conditions.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients report significant improvements in their quality-of-life post-procedure, as assessed by standardized health surveys.
THE PROCEDURE:
- A catheter is inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the hemorrhoids by our Interventional Radiologist and tiny particles are injected to block blood flow.
- There are no incisions or sutures. This causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and symptoms to improve.
RECOVERY:
- Patients are discharged the same day with minimal post-procedure pain.
- Patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort, but pain is generally low.
- Most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 days.
- Studies show high success rates in reducing bleeding, pain, and discomfort.
WHY CHOOSE RAE:
This minimally invasive option, unlike a hemorrhoidectomy, does not compromise anal tone or rectal wounds and greatly reduces complications like anal incontinence.