Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
Relief from internal hemorrhoids—without surgery.
Struggling with painful or bleeding internal hemorrhoids? At Clarity Care, we specialize in a new minimally invasive alternative to surgery that helps people who have failed other treatments like dietary changes, medications, and banding. Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) targets the source of the hemorrhoids and has a shorter recovery time than surgery giving most patients relief in just a few days.
SCHEDULEWhat Are Internal Hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located inside the rectum. Unlike external hemorrhoids, they are usually not visible from the outside but can cause significant discomfort. They develop when increased pressure in the rectal veins causes inflammation and swelling—commonly triggered by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, obesity, pregnancy, or childbirth.
When these hemorrhoids protrude outside the anus, they can become even more uncomfortable. If left untreated, they may continue to worsen and significantly impact daily life.
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What are the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Bright red blood during bowel movements
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Mucus discharge
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
- Discomfort or pain
- Difficulty with hygiene due to swelling
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, Clarity Care may be able to help with a non-surgical treatment option.
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Fast, Simple, Effective Relief—HAE.
Clarity Care is proud to offer Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)—a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for internal hemorrhoids. This outpatient procedure is performed right in our comfortable office setting and is a compelling alternative to painful surgery or for patients who have failed dietary changes medications or banding. It directly targets the root cause of internal hemorrhoids: blood flow to the inflamed veins. The benefits include:
- Short Procedure Time: HAE typically takes less than an hour.
- No Hospital Stay: Patients go home shortly after the medication wears off.
- Minimal Recovery: Little to no discomfort following the procedure.
- Quick Relief: Significant improvement in symptoms within days.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization: Step by Step
01:
Your journey to relief starts with a personalized consultation with a Clarity Care physician. During this visit, your doctor will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine whether HAE is the right option for you.
02:
Comfort First: You'll receive medication to relax and ensure a pain-free experience throughout the procedure.
03:
Minimally Invasive Technique: A tiny incision will be made in your groin—about the size of a needle prick used for a blood draw.
04:
Precision Targeting: Using real-time imaging guidance, a microcatheter (thin tube) is threaded through your blood vessels to the arteries that supply blood to your hemorrhoids.
05:
Blocking the Source: Tiny particles—either microspheres or coils—are released to block these vessels, reducing blood flow and causing the hemorrhoids to shrink.
What to expect after HAE?
After HAE, patients return home the same day with minimal discomfort. Symptoms like bleeding and pressure often improve within days, and full relief typically continues to progress over the following weeks—without the need for stitches, wound care, or extended recovery.
Questions? We have answers.
At Clarity Care, we want you to feel 100% confident in your decision to choose us for your imaging care. Below are a few of our most frequently asked questions, and if you have additional ones, please don't hesitate to reach out.
- Digital rectal exam: Gently inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.
- Anoscopy: A small, lighted tube is used to view the inside of the anal canal and lower rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: These may be recommended to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding, especially if you're over age 50 or have risk factors.
- Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements
- Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
- Low-fiber diet, which can lead to harder stools
- Pregnancy and childbirth, due to increased pressure in the pelvic area
- Obesity, which adds strain to rectal veins
- Heavy lifting or frequent exertion
- Aging, as supporting tissues in the rectum weaken over time
- Family history of hemorrhoids or vein issues
- Temporary pelvic discomfort or cramping after the procedure
- Mild bleeding or spotting
- Infection at the catheter insertion site
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (very rare)
- Unintended blockage of nearby blood vessels (extremely rare with experienced specialists)
Ready for Relief?
LET'S GET STARTED
Care that covers communities in Kansas & Missouri.
The Clarity Care Imaging & Specialty Care office is conveniently located at 9040 Quivira Road in Lenexa, Kansas. Our center is just north of Oak Park Mall with easy access from much of the Kansas City area including Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Merriam, Mission, Leawood and Prairie Village.
