The embolization of hemorrhoids is a treatment carried out by vascular radiologists and interventionalists that, through catheterization from the wrist or groin, allows reaching the artery that supplies blood to the hemorrhoid and blocking it, causing it to stop bleeding immediately.
«Embolization of hemorrhoids allows for a rapid and effective reduction of bleeding, avoiding rectal manipulation and without the need for general anesthesia, making it a treatment that can also be performed on patients with contraindications for surgery or anesthesia,» Busó explained.
Furthermore, the expert also highlighted that with embolization, only a small incision of less than a centimeter is needed for vascular access, allowing for almost immediate recovery of the patient, who can be discharged within a few hours of the procedure.
However, the spokesperson for SERVEI emphasized that hemorrhoidal pathology must be approached «from a multidisciplinary perspective,» with the coordination of colorectal surgeons and interventional radiologists to carry out the therapeutic strategy that can best benefit each patient.
«Not all hemorrhoids are treated the same way. Each technique is effective in certain cases, but has limitations. For example, if a hemorrhoid has a large prolapse, surgery is necessary to lift that sagging tissue, but when the main symptom is bleeding, especially if the patient has altered coagulation, surgery would not be possible and embolization would be the most suitable treatment,» she explained.
### SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE AND LACK OF HYDRATION, MAIN REASONS
Hemorrhoids are physiological vascular pads located in the anal canal that are responsible for rectal continence. The inflammation of these veins, especially the internal ones, which are the ones that cause the most symptoms, is responsible for hemorrhoidal disease, a condition that affects up to a third of the population and whose incidence – more common in men – peaks between the ages of 45 and 65.
«A sedentary lifestyle and a lack of hydration and fiber in the diet lead to constipation, which combined with age-related changes (increased abdominal pressure and deterioration of fibrovascular elements) causes sagging and erosion of hemorrhoids,» Busó stated.
Additionally, the expert pointed out that there are also hereditary factors and special situations such as pregnancy that can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoidal disease.
Among the most common symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease are prolapse, itching, burning, discomfort, and, above all, bleeding through the anus, characterized by bright red blood that can be very abundant, staining the toilet bowl and even underwear.
«Hemorrhoidal bleeding can affect the quality of life, limiting the daily activities of those who suffer from it. In severe cases, it can lead to anemia, requiring transfusion if the bleeding is very abundant and frequent,» the doctor noted.
In this regard, the expert emphasized that before embolization, there are first-line treatments for hemorrhoids, such as lifestyle changes (more activity, more hydration, more fiber-rich foods). In addition, topical medications to relieve symptoms are also available.
However, the SERVEI spokesperson pointed out that up to 10 percent of patients do not respond to this conservative treatment and require surgery. In that sense, there are different surgical techniques for rectal approach, such as hemorrhoidectomy, «in which the internal hemorrhoids are completely removed with a high success rate, but with various complications including postoperative pain, bleeding, and the risk of fecal incontinence secondary to sphincter damage,» or outpatient treatments like rubber band ligation, which «allow for quick recovery but with high rates of recurrence.»
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