If you have been told that surgery is your only option for severe or recurring hemorrhoids, there is good news: a minimally invasive alternative called Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is available right here in the NYC metro area — with no incisions, no hospital stay, and a fast recovery. This guide explains what HAE is, how it compares to traditional surgery, what happens on the day of your procedure, what it costs, and how to find experienced care near you.
What is hemorrhoid embolization (HAE)?
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Instead of cutting or removing tissue, the doctor gently blocks (embolizes) the tiny arteries that supply extra blood to enlarged hemorrhoids. With that blood flow reduced, the hemorrhoids shrink over the following weeks, and symptoms like bleeding, swelling, and discomfort ease — without the pain and downtime of an operation.
The approach is based on the same well-established embolization techniques doctors have used for years to treat other vascular conditions safely. At Mark Medical Care, HAE is performed by Dr. Ron Mark, a physician certified by the United States Board of Medicine with advanced training in endovascular and interventional radiology.
HAE vs. traditional hemorrhoid surgery
Traditional hemorrhoidectomy removes hemorrhoid tissue surgically. It can be effective, but it also involves cutting highly sensitive tissue, which often means significant pain and a recovery that can stretch over several weeks. HAE takes a different path:
- No incisions — the arteries are reached through a tiny catheter entry point, not a surgical cut.
- Local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, lowering anesthesia-related risk.
- Outpatient — most patients go home the same day rather than staying in a hospital.
- Faster recovery — many people return to normal activities within days, not weeks.
- Lower risk of the complications sometimes associated with surgery near the anal canal.
For a full cost breakdown, see our guide on hemorrhoid surgery cost in NYC.
How the HAE procedure works, step by step
- Consultation and evaluation — your symptoms, history, and any prior treatments are reviewed to confirm you are a candidate.
- Local anesthesia — the treatment area is numbed; you stay awake and comfortable throughout.
- Catheter access — a thin, flexible catheter is guided to the hemorrhoidal arteries through a small entry point, using image guidance.
- Embolization — the targeted arteries are carefully blocked with tiny medical materials to reduce the blood flow feeding the hemorrhoids.
- Same-day discharge — after a short observation period, most patients go home the same day and resume light activities quickly.
Is HAE right for you?
HAE is often a strong option for patients who:
- Have recurring or bleeding hemorrhoids that have not responded to creams, ointments, or lifestyle changes
- Want to avoid the pain and long recovery of a hemorrhoidectomy
- Prefer a procedure with no incisions and minimal downtime
- Have internal or prolapsed hemorrhoids
Take the quick self-check below to see whether HAE may be a fit — then confirm with a specialist.
Could HAE be right for you?
Answer a few quick questions. Your answers stay on your device.
Do your hemorrhoid symptoms (bleeding, pain, itching) keep coming back?
Have creams, ointments, or diet changes failed to give lasting relief?
Do you want to avoid the pain and downtime of traditional surgery?
Do you have internal or prolapsed hemorrhoids?
0 of 4 answered
What to expect on the day of your procedure
HAE is designed to be low-stress. You will not need to be put to sleep, and there is no surgical wound to care for afterward. Plan for a few hours at the clinic between preparation, the roughly one-hour procedure, and a short recovery observation. Arrange for someone to drive you home as a precaution, wear comfortable clothing, and follow any simple pre-procedure instructions your care team gives you.
Recovery after HAE
Because there are no incisions, recovery is typically quick and far more comfortable than after surgery. Most patients:
- Go home the same day
- Return to work and daily routines within a few days
- Experience far less post-procedure pain than with a hemorrhoidectomy
- Notice bleeding and discomfort easing over the following weeks as the hemorrhoids shrink
How much does hemorrhoid embolization cost?
Costs vary by insurance plan and individual case. The encouraging part: because HAE avoids the operating room, general anesthesia, and weeks of lost work, it is frequently more affordable overall than traditional surgery once the total cost of recovery is considered. Mark Medical Care accepts most major insurance plans and helps you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket estimate before treatment.
Why choose Mark Medical Care
Mark Medical Care has spent over 20 years helping patients across the NYC metro area find relief with minimally invasive care. HAE is performed by Dr. Ron Mark, certified by the United States Board of Medicine, with a patient-first approach and a bilingual (English and Spanish) team. Care is available at 8 convenient locations serving Queens, the Bronx, Long Island, and Manhattan.
Finding hemorrhoid embolization near you
See all our locations or learn more about our non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment and the HAE procedure in detail. If you are weighing your options, the fastest way to get clear answers is a short consultation.
Ready for relief without surgery?
Explore our non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment in NYC and Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) — no incisions, quick recovery — at our 8 convenient NY locations. Most insurance plans accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hemorrhoid embolization painful?
No. HAE is performed under local anesthesia and involves no incisions, so most patients feel little to no pain during or after the procedure.
How long does the HAE procedure take?
The procedure itself usually takes about an hour, and most patients go home the same day.
Does insurance cover hemorrhoid embolization?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary hemorrhoid treatment. Mark Medical Care helps verify your benefits and provides a personalized estimate before treatment.
Who performs hemorrhoid embolization?
HAE is performed by an interventional radiologist. At Mark Medical Care it is performed by Dr. Ron Mark, certified by the United States Board of Medicine.
How soon will I see results after HAE?
Many patients notice a reduction in bleeding and discomfort within a few weeks as the treated hemorrhoids shrink.
Is HAE safe?
HAE has a strong safety profile. Because it avoids cutting the sensitive tissue around the anus, it carries a lower risk of the complications sometimes linked to traditional surgery, such as incontinence or lengthy painful healing.



