Skip to content
Beverly Hills · 435 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 308Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pmMost PPO insurance accepted
Allen KamravaMD · MBA · FACS · FASCRS

Procedure

In office

Hemorrhoid Sclerotherapy

An office injection that shrinks internal hemorrhoids and scars them into place — best when bleeding is the main symptom, and often the safest office option for patients on blood thinners.

Request a consultation
Setting
In office
Anesthesia
Usually none needed — the injection is placed above the nerve line, and most people feel pressure rather than pain.
Back to work
Most people return to normal activities the same day.
Pain relief
Most people need little or nothing afterward — an over-the-counter pain reliever and a warm sitz bath cover any feeling of fullness.

What it is

Hemorrhoid sclerotherapy is a **minimally invasive, office-based procedure** used to treat internal hemorrhoids by injecting a sclerosing (hardening) solution into the hemorrhoidal tissue. The injected agent causes the veins to collapse and fibrose, cutting off blood flow and shrinking the hemorrhoid. The procedure is typically performed without anesthesia, takes only a few minutes, and is highly effective for early to moderate internal hemorrhoids (Grades I–III). Patients often return to normal activity immediately, with minimal discomfort compared to surgical options.

Am I a candidate?

- Patients with internal hemorrhoids Grades I–III who experience bleeding, swelling, or mucous discharge. - Individuals who cannot undergo banding or surgical hemorrhoidectomy due to medical comorbidities or anticoagulation. - Those seeking a non-surgical, quick outpatient option with low downtime. - Especially appropriate for patients with persistent bleeding despite fiber therapy or topical treatments. *Not recommended for patients with external hemorrhoids, thrombosis, or acute inflammation.*

How it's done

  1. 1A small scope (an anoscope) is placed to see the internal hemorrhoids.
  2. 2A small amount of sclerosing solution — commonly 5% phenol in oil — is injected at the base of the hemorrhoid, above the nerve line.
  3. 3The solution scars down the vessels feeding the hemorrhoid and fixes the tissue in place, so the hemorrhoid shrinks and bleeding improves.
  4. 4The visit takes a few minutes and you go home right away. Repeat injections spaced weeks apart are common.

What to expect

  1. Same day

    Back to normal activities. A mild feeling of fullness or pressure can last a day or so.

  2. First days

    Minor spotting is possible. Keep stools soft with fiber and fluids, and avoid straining.

  3. Following weeks

    The hemorrhoid shrinks as scar tissue forms. A follow-up visit checks the response — more than one session is often needed, and that's expected rather than a failure.

  4. Call right away if

    Fever, trouble urinating, or pain that gets worse instead of better — serious problems after sclerotherapy are rare, but they need prompt evaluation.

Risks & considerations

While generally safe, hemorrhoid sclerotherapy carries certain risks: - **Mild pain, burning, or pressure** at the injection site (typically short-lived). - **Minor rectal bleeding or spotting** for 24–48 hours post-procedure. - **Ulceration or infection** (rare, often linked to improper injection depth). - **Recurrence **if underlying constipation or straining continues. - Extremely rare complications include **prostatic abscess or tissue necrosis** from extravascular injection. The procedure should always be performed by an experienced colorectal surgeon to ensure accurate injection technique and minimize complications.

Sources

CallBook