Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization

What is transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD)?

For internal hemorrhoids (swollen vessels inside the rectum) that are unresponsive to traditional treatments such as making changes to your diet and using topical creams, your doctor may recommend transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD). This is usually an outpatient procedure that involves identifying the arteries that are sending blood to the swollen areas and cutting off that blood supply with a clip or ligature.

THD is considered a minimally invasive procedure with less pain and recovery time than hemorrhoidectomy, the traditional surgical approach to hemorrhoids. With THD your doctor uses a Doppler ultrasound and a lighted anoscope to probe the rectum and identify the arteries causing heavy blood flow to the hemorrhoids. Once the blood flow is stopped, the hemorrhoids shrink. Your doctor will lift the hemorrhoid and position it back where it belongs. There is no removal of tissue and therefore less pain and recovery time.