New artery procedure could replace rubber bands for hemorrhoid bleeding

NCT ID NCT05697562

Disease control Sponsor: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a minimally invasive procedure called Superior Rectal Artery Embolization (SRAE) works as well as rubber band ligation for controlling bleeding from hemorrhoids. SRAE blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoids using tiny particles, and is done under local anesthesia in one day. The trial will enroll 80 adults with grade I–III hemorrhoids and compare symptom control and patient satisfaction between the two treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Superior Rectal Artery Embolization (SRAE) – a procedure that blocks blood flow to hemorrhoids
What this could lead to: If it works, SRAE could offer a less painful, one-day alternative to rubber band ligation for controlling hemorrhoid bleeding.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial (80 people) comparing two procedures. SRAE may not be as effective as standard care, and there are risks from the angiography procedure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 80 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jun 2023

Expected to finish

Dec 2030

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients referred for Hemorrhoidal disease with bleeding are eligible. Significant bleeding is defined as a HBS of ≥ 5. * Age \> 18 years old; * Sexes eligible for study: all * Hemorrhoidal disease grade I-III according the Goligher classification with rectal bleeding as predominant symptom * History of prior instrumental treatment of HD does not prohibit inclusion * Able to understand and read Dutch, French or English Exclusion Criteria: * Permanent hemorrhoidal prolapse/grade IV hemorrhoidal disease * Rectal prolapse * History of proctological surgery for HD * Acute complicated course of HD i.e. acute thrombosis (fluxio hemorrhoidalis or perianal hematoma) * Anal stenosis, congenital of acquired * Chronic anal fissure * Active rectal inflammation, including peri-anal abscess (e.g. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, infectious,…) * History of colorectal or anal cancer * History of rectal or sigmoidal resection * Portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis Child Pugh C * Radiation rectitis * Neurological disease involving anal sphincter musculature * Severe psychiatric disorder * Pregnancy * Allergy to iodinated contrast agents * Colorectal neoplasia as the cause of bleeding (excluded with a (virtual) colonoscopy in the last year)

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hemorrhoid

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Hemorrhoids

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

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New artery procedure could replace rubber bands for hemorrhoid bleeding

What the study statuses mean