Rectal Arterial Embolization vs Band Ligation for the Treatment of Internal hemOrrhoidS

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Hemorrhoidal Bleeding, Hemorrhoids, Internal, HAE, RBL

In brief

The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare two standard of care non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoidal bleeding: hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE) versus rubber band ligation (RBL). Directly comparing these two methods may help to clarify which treatment is better for controlling hemorrhoidal bleeding, reducing symptoms, and improving patients' quality of life. HAE is a standard minimally invasive procedure to put tiny particles or coils into the blood vessel that feeds a hemorrhoid to block the blood flow (embolization). This involves using a catheter inserted into an artery, using twilight (conscious) sedation. RBL is a standard procedure that involves using small rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoids to cut off blood flow, causing it to shrink or shrivel.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07559630

Run by

Jessica K. Stewart, MD

People needed

40

Starts

2026-05-19

Expected to finish

2031-11-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-10

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 89. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age ≥ 18 years and less than 90 years.
• Ability to provide written informed consent.
• Documented clinical history of chronic bleeding from internal hemorrhoids.
• Documented presence of Goligher grade II-III internal hemorrhoids.
• Failed conservative treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids (e.g. fiber supplementation, topical ointments and creams, dietary modifications, stool softeners, warm baths).
• Able to comply with all treatments and protocol follow-up visits, in the opinion of the PI's.

You may not qualify if…

• Moderate loss of kidney function, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 45 mL/min.
• Significant arterial atherosclerosis that would limit selective angiography.
• Known alternative causes of GI bleeding.
• Allergy to iodinated contrast agents.
• Active infection or malignancy.
• Pregnancy.
• Active nicotine use within the last 12 months.
• Portal hypertension/rectal varices.
• Uncorrectable coagulopathy (INR > 2; Platelet count <100,000; PTT > 40 sec).
• Findings on baseline CTA that adversely affect treatment, based on PI's clinical judgment, including but not limited to stenosis, occlusion, or hypoplasia of the superior and/or middle rectal arteries.

Where it is running

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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