A cluster of small veins is present just beneath the mucous membrane lining the lower rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids develop when these veins become inflamed and swollen, often due to constipation or pressure from childbirth. Excessive tension can obstruct the flow of blood to and from the rectum and anus, causing blood to pool in the veins. Hemorrhoids are especially common in older people because the connective tissue that holds veins in place weakens over time.
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids, which occur in the lower rectum, and external hemorrhoids, which occur under the skin around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful, but they can bleed and sometimes spread outside the anus, causing itching and inflammation. External hemorrhoids tend to be more painful because they can irritate and erode the skin.
When do you need hemorrhoid treatment?
Hemorrhoid symptoms are often mild and include home remedies such as establishing regular bowel habits, incorporating more fiber into your diet to prevent constipation, exercising to stimulate bowel function, and taking warm baths. will be improved. Over-the-counter medications such as topical hemorrhoid creams and witch hazel wipes can provide temporary pain relief.
However, in some cases, bleeding from hemorrhoids can last for months or even years. Although mild bleeding is a manageable nuisance, excessive bleeding can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have low blood cell counts due to cancer or chemotherapy.
Treatment options for hemorrhoids include:
ligature
Rubber band ligation is a common and fairly effective treatment for bleeding internal hemorrhoids. Basically, a small elastic band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, which constricts the vein and scars the surrounding tissue, helping to hold the healed vein in place. Several procedures may be necessary to completely remove hemorrhoids.
surgery
Surgical excision is the standard treatment for large, prominent hemorrhoids that bleed. Although effective, this approach is generally considered a last resort because of the long recovery time. However, there are less invasive alternatives to traditional hemorrhoid removal (hemorrhoidectomy). One option is hemorrhoid embolization.
Embolization
Hemorrhoid embolization, a type of interventional radiology, has minimal risks. After the patient is sedated, the doctor makes a needle puncture into the femoral artery in the groin. Based on the real-time images, the doctor inserts a microcatheter into the needle access site and feeds the microcatheter into the artery that feeds the hemorrhoid. The doctor uses a small metal coil to block off the artery, removes the microcatheter, and applies a bandage. This procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, followed by a 1-hour recovery period. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities the next day.
Hemorrhoid embolization does not involve any pain or discomfort. Studies have shown that this procedure has consistently good results, with approximately 75% of patients experiencing no bleeding for at least a year afterwards.
The Moffitt Cancer Center Difference
Mr. Moffitt is firmly established on the cutting edge of cancer treatment. As Florida’s top cancer hospital, we offer highly customized and fine-tuned interventions, such as hemorrhoid embolization, that far exceed the level of expertise found at many other cancer centers. provided to patients. Our multidisciplinary team is well known and continually expands our services to cover all aspects of our patients’ medical needs.
If you would like to learn more about hemorrhoid embolization, request an appointment with a Moffitt specialist by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. No introduction needed.