Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove hemorrhoids. A surgeon will insert a special tool into your anus to tie off the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids.
THD generally has quicker recovery times than traditional surgery to remove hemorrhoids. It also has a lower risk of complications because it doesn’t require making an incision in your anal tissue.
Read on to learn more about THD, including what the procedure entails, potential complications, and what recovery usually looks like.
THD is usually used to treat internal hemorrhoids causing bothersome symptoms.
Mild hemorrhoids that aren’t causing symptoms often don’t need medical treatment. If they’re causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend one of several minimally invasive procedures.
If your hemorrhoids are
A THD procedure offers several benefits over a hemorrhoidectomy, such as:
- reduced pain
- faster recovery time
- earlier return to daily activities
THD is generally safe and has
- bleeding
- bruising
- swelling
- perianal fistula (abnormal hole near your anus)
- anal fissures (small tears in your anus)
- urinary retention
- intense anal pain
- perianal abscess (a pocket of pus near your anus)
In a
THD tends to be very effective at treating hemorrhoids. In another
Here’s a general idea of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Before THD
You may be given sedation and local anesthesia before undergoing THD. A healthcare professional may administer sedation orally or through an injection into your bloodstream.
The purpose of sedation is to keep you relaxed and prevent movement during your procedure. A healthcare professional may inject local anesthesia near the surgical area to numb the treated area.
During THD
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect during your procedure:
- Your surgeon will insert an anoscope (plastic or metal speculum) with an ultrasound probe attached to it into your anus. The ultrasound probe uses sound waves to find the artery supplying your hemorrhoid.
- Once they locate the artery, they’ll use a special tool on the probe to tie off the artery to reduce blood flow to your hemorrhoid.
- Your surgeon can then use this tool to suture the artery and cut off its blood supply.
- If your hemorrhoids prolapse outside your anus, your surgeon may perform a procedure called a mucopexy to reposition them.
The whole procedure often takes less than
After THD
You’ll likely be able to leave the hospital within 24 hours of your procedure. However, your surgeon may want you to wait until you have your first bowel movement after the procedure to make sure there are no serious complications.
You may be advised to take laxatives if you don’t have a bowel movement within
Generally, no particular preparation is needed for your procedure. Your surgical team can give you specific instructions on how to prepare.
If you’re receiving general anesthesia, you’ll need to stop eating and drinking hours before your procedure.
THD generally has a quick recovery. If you don’t experience any complications, you’ll likely be able to return to most of your usual activities within a few days.
You may need to avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for
The best treatment for hemorrhoids depends on their size and whether they’re causing symptoms.
If your hemorrhoids are small and not causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, such as:
- eating more fiber
- taking fiber supplements
- applying hydrocortisone or hemorrhoid creams to the area
- taking warm baths to reduce pain
- taking pain relievers
If these treatments aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend one of several minimally invasive procedures. Along with THD, other options include:
- Rubber band ligation: During rubber band ligation, your doctor cuts off your hemorrhoid’s circulation by applying a rubber band to the base of it.
- Sclerotherapy injections: During sclerotherapy, your doctor injects a chemical into your hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.
- Coagulation: Coagulation therapy involves using extreme heat to shrink your hemorrhoid.
For larger hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids that don’t respond to these, your doctor may recommend:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the surgical removal of your hemorrhoid.
- Hemorrhoidopexy: This procedure involves removing hemorrhoidal tissue with a stapling device. Some research suggests it may lead to better outcomes than THD for people with large hemorrhoids.
The cost of your procedure can depend on factors like:
- where you live
- your surgeon’s experience
- the extent of your procedure
For reference, the nonprofit FAIR Health estimates that 80% of procedures to remove an internal hemorrhoid using heat in Portland, Oregon, are less than $276 without insurance. Anesthesia may cost an extra $1,384, and hospital fees might cost another $2,972.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover hemorrhoid surgery when you have symptoms. However, they may only cover certain types of surgery, so it’s important to check your coverage in advance.
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about THD.
Is THD surgery painful?
THD generally only causes mild pain and is associated with a fast recovery. Some people may have more intense pain.
How long is recovery from transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization?
Most people can go home on the same day as their procedure and return to their usual activities within a few days.
You might have to wait weeks before returning to strenuous physical activity.
THD is a minimally invasive procedure that doctors use to treat hemorrhoids. In this procedure, a surgeon will use an anoscope with an ultrasound probe to locate hemorrhoids and cut off their blood supply.
THD generally has a fast recovery time and a low risk of serious complications. Your doctor can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for THD.