Symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids

Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoids. They are caused by the rupture of blood vessels in external hemorrhoids, leading to blood spillage, which in turn causes pain and inflammation. The symptoms manifest as a sudden hard lump near the anus. If visible, subcutaneous purple bruises can be seen, and pressing on it causes pain. Generally, surgical treatment is required.

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How long does it take to recover after external hemorrhoidectomy?

External hemorrhoids are mainly classified into inflammatory external hemorrhoids, thrombotic external hemorrhoids, connective tissue external hemorrhoids, and varicose vein external hemorrhoids. Regardless of the type, the primary treatment method is surgical removal. After the hemorrhoids are excised, the perianal area generally does not bleed when passing stools for the first two to three days, and the patient can usually go home in about 7 days. For complete recovery to the pre-condition state, it is estimated to take between 20 days to a month.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
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Is surgery necessary for thrombosed external hemorrhoids?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids do not necessarily require surgery during the acute phase of an attack. If the thrombotic external hemorrhoids are mild, Chinese herbal medicine can be used for local topical application to relieve symptoms. Early-stage or mild thrombotic external hemorrhoids may only form small thrombi, and the pain experienced by the patient is not very intense. Therefore, one can opt to use Chinese herbal washes for hot compresses and fumigation, along with the application of hemorrhoid cream to alleviate symptoms. However, it is only recommended to perform excision surgery for thrombotic external hemorrhoids if they are acutely recurring over a long period or repeatedly, severely affecting the patient's life. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and avoid self-medication.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to reduce swelling of thrombosed external hemorrhoids

During the acute flare of thrombotic external hemorrhoids, the primary issue is the filling of the hemorrhoidal nucleus with blood clots, leading to congestion and swelling of the hemorrhoids. Due to edema or excessive pressure inside the hemorrhoidal nucleus, the patient may experience local discomfort or even severe pain. Therefore, the treatment of thrombotic external hemorrhoids first needs to reduce swelling. The methods mainly include local hot compresses, along with the oral administration of medicines that cool the blood, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. However, in some cases of thrombotic external hemorrhoids, where the blood clots are large or cannot be absorbed on their own after repeated attacks, surgery to excise the clots may be necessary to achieve the purpose of reducing swelling. During the acute flare of thrombotic external hemorrhoids, it is recommended that the patient seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid complications such as repeated attacks or local blood supply disturbances, which could lead to necrosis of the external hemorrhoids.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Thrombotic external hemorrhoids clinical characteristics

The clinical features of thrombosed external hemorrhoids primarily include acute episodes of localized swelling and pain in the anal area, with thrombosis forming in the local hemorrhoidal tissue. This condition is primarily due to dry stools and excessive straining during bowel movements, leading to congestion and edema in the local hemorrhoidal tissue and subsequent disruption of local blood circulation, resulting in thrombosis. After an attack, the anal hemorrhoidal tissue may display dark red or purplish clots, enclosed by the local skin and mucous membrane. Treatment options include the application of topical medications and hot compresses to promote absorption of the hemorrhoids, as well as local surgical excision. It is important to note that if rupture or bleeding occurs, considering the possibility of local thrombus rupture, it is essential to perform proper local cleaning and disinfection and to promptly proceed with surgical excision to prevent infection.

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How to relieve the pain of external hemorrhoids?

When there is pain in an external hemorrhoidal tag, it is often due to inflammatory edema or the formation of a thrombus, leading to pain. In such cases, it is advisable to first use an anal cleansing agent or a potassium permanganate solution for a sitz bath after defecation. The duration of the sitz bath should be controlled between five to ten minutes, which can effectively reduce swelling and relieve pain. After the sitz bath, applying external remedies such as Yellow Ointment or Musk Hemorrhoids Cream can also help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. For particularly severe pain, directly using diclofenac sodium suppositories inserted into the anus can provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Additionally, for external hemorrhoids with inflammatory edema, it is also necessary to combine this with oral diosmin tablets to relieve discomfort. However, if the external hemorrhoidal tag remains swollen for a long period or if the thrombus does not resolve, it is advisable to consider early surgical excision of the external hemorrhoids, followed by diligent postoperative dressing changes.