📖 What is haemorrhoid embolization?
Haemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) treats internal haemorrhoids by selectively blocking the superior haemorrhoidal arteries via a catheter inserted through the femoral artery. Reducing arterial inflow causes regression of the haemorrhoidal plexus — controlling bleeding and reducing prolapse — without surgery, without incision, and without general anaesthesia.
HAE is indicated for grades II–III internal haemorrhoids with recurrent bleeding, refractory to conservative treatment (topical, dietary) and as an alternative to rubber band ligation or haemorrhoidectomy.
⚡ At a glance — key figures
Haemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE, also called Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization in the US literature, or the Emborrhoid technique) reduces the arterial supply to internal haemorrhoids — targeting the superior rectal artery (SRA) and its branches — using microparticles or microcoils delivered through a catheter — with no procedure performed at the anus, no general anaesthesia and no hospital stay.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Effect on bleeding | Reduction of rectal bleeding in 80–90% of cases at 3 months |
| Post-procedure pain | Very limited (24–48 hours) vs 2–3 weeks after surgical haemorrhoidectomy |
| Continence | No risk of incontinence — nothing is done to the anal sphincter |
| Anaesthesia / stay | Local anaesthesia — day case, back to normal activity in 24–48 hours |
| Persistence / recurrence | 10–20% — repeat embolization, rubber band ligation or surgery all remain possible |
| Cost | Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees |
Sources: Emborrhoid technique (Vidal et al.), French multicentre series. Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.
🎯 Who is suitable?
- Grades II–III internal haemorrhoids with recurrent bleeding
- Failed conservative treatment (high-fibre diet, topical agents)
- Failure or recurrence after rubber band ligation
- Contraindication to general anaesthesia or haemorrhoidectomy
- Elderly or frail patients seeking a minimally invasive option
❓ FAQs
🔗 Related pages
🇫🇷 French version: embolisation-hemorroides.html
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.