Medcare Hospital Al Safa Breakthrough Treatment Provides Relief To Patient With Severe Hemorrhoid Complication

Medcare Hospital Al Safa has successfully treated a patient with complex recurrent stage III haemorrhoids using an innovative minimally invasive procedure. Despite undergoing previous surgery, the patient endured years of pain, bleeding, and other debilitating symptoms that severely impacted his quality of life. Dr. Saher Arour, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Medcare Hospital, described this novel treatment—endovascular embolization of the superior rectal artery—as the first of its type in the Middle East and Africa region.

The 34-year-old patient had been suffering from anal pain, oedema, bleeding, itching, and trouble passing stool for three months. Despite having undergone a haemorrhoidectomy four years ago and trying multiple medications, his symptoms persisted and worsened. An anoscopy was performed by the multidisciplinary team from Medcare Hospital Al Safa to rule out other possible sources of the haemorrhage and confirm the diagnosis.

Dr. Arour estimates that between 4.4-39% of UAE residents are affected by haemorrhoidal diseases. Factors such as inadequate nutrition and sedentary lifestyles contribute to this prevalence. Pregnant women often develop haemorrhoids, and men are more likely than women to develop them due to prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects, and straining during restroom use.

After confirming that the patient had stage III haemorrhoids with anal stenosis requiring manual reduction, the team decided on a minimally invasive endovascular embolization of the superior rectal artery as the best course of treatment. Dr. Khaldoun Ghareb commented on the patient's condition upon admission: "The patient's condition upon admission was quite severe. He had extreme difficulty passing stool and was suffering from recurrent symptomatic stage III haemorrhoids with anal stenosis which is a condition in which the anus cannot open normally to pass waste out. His symptoms had not responded to conventional treatments."

Doctors used an ultrasound-guided puncture of the common femoral artery to insert a catheter into the superior rectal artery branches. The location of the catheter and blood vessels supplying the haemorrhoids were confirmed by angiography. The arteries were subsequently constricted to restrict blood flow, and a second angiography confirmed the success of the procedure.

Elaborating on this innovative procedure, Dr. Arour said, "Endovascular embolization was deemed the way to go although it was considered novel as it had never been performed in the region before. It involves using a catheter to block the blood vessels feeding the haemorrhoids, effectively reducing blood flow and causing them to shrink." This method usually results in less tissue disruption and a quicker healing period compared to surgical haemorrhoidectomy.

The procedure was completed without any complications, providing immediate relief from symptoms for the patient. Dr. Saher stated, "The procedure was completed without any complications and the patient experienced immediate relief from his symptoms. He was able to use the restroom normally almost immediately after the surgery. His current prognosis is excellent, and we expect a full and lasting recovery."

The patient expressed immense relief following his successful treatment: "I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Arour, Dr. Ghareb, and the entire team at Medcare Hospital Al Safa for their expertise and care. They have made a significant difference in my life, and I am finally free from the pain and discomfort that plagued me for years."

Regarding methods of preventing or managing haemorrhoids, Dr. Khaldoun remarked: "Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed grains can increase stool bulk and soften it, reducing strain on the rectum and anus. Combined with regular exercise, staying hydrated, and practising hygienic restroom habits, these steps can effectively prevent and manage haemorrhoids."

The patient is now recovering well with significant improvement in his symptoms. Medcare Hospital Al Safa continues monitoring his progress to ensure he maintains his improved condition for a healthy life free from pain.