What is inside a thrombotic external hemorrhoid?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a common clinical presentation of external hemorrhoids. During an episode, blood clots generally form within the hemorrhoidal nucleus, which means that thrombotic external hemorrhoids mainly consist of blood clot particles. Because the blood clots are wrapped inside the hemorrhoidal nucleus, the pressure inside the nucleus increases, leading to congestion and edema. Patients experience significant pain and a feeling of fullness. Severe symptoms may also affect the patient's ability to sit or walk normally. Therefore, it is crucial to treat thrombotic external hemorrhoids early in their development. For early-stage mild thrombotic external hemorrhoids, local treatments such as hot compresses with hemorrhoidal medication or manual pressure can be employed to promote the absorption of the blood clots. Oral medications that reduce swelling, relieve pain, and stop bleeding can also be used for symptomatic relief. If thrombotic external hemorrhoids recur frequently or if conservative medication fails, surgical excision and stripping of the thrombotic external hemorrhoids can also be considered.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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The difference between rectal prolapse and external hemorrhoids.

Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of the rectal mucosa, which manifests as an eversion of the mucosa presenting as pink-colored, cylindrical protrusions. These can usually be manually repositioned back into the anus, appearing smooth once repositioned. In contrast, external hemorrhoids are mostly caused by varicosities and are the same color as the skin. They cannot be completely repositioned manually, which distinguishes them from rectal prolapse.

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Do minor external hemorrhoids itch?

Mild external hemorrhoids can also cause localized itching in the anal area, but the itching is not pronounced. This is because the external hemorrhoids themselves stimulate the perianal skin, causing mild itching and a sensation of a foreign body in the anus. Moreover, external hemorrhoids can lead to increased secretions around the anus, further irritating the perianal skin and, in severe cases, causing anal eczema. Thus, in most cases, mild external hemorrhoids can cause itching, although it is not intense. For such situations, it is primarily important for patients to keep the perianal area dry and hygienic, wear loose, breathable cotton underwear, and avoid friction against the hemorrhoids. For mild itching, topical treatments such as calamine lotion can be used, along with keeping the perianal area dry. Additionally, a light diet should be maintained.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can external hemorrhoids be punctured?

External hemorrhoids should not be punctured because they are located at the anus, which is at the end of the digestive tract and often contaminated by feces and excretions. If punctured, it can easily lead to local infection, causing pain and increased secretion, and worsening necrosis of the external hemorrhoids. Therefore, external hemorrhoids should be treated as soon as possible with hemorrhoidectomy, rather than being punctured by oneself. After surgical treatment, it is also necessary to use anal cleansers, red oil gauze, and golden ointment for dressing changes to promote the healing of the wound. Moreover, patients should maintain smooth bowel movements to avoid hard and dry stools or frequent diarrhea. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume foods rich in roughage to ensure smooth bowel movements and to avoid fishy seafood and similar foods.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What medicine is used for thrombotic external hemorrhoids?

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally result from the formation of blood clots inside the local external hemorrhoids, causing acute symptoms. During an episode of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, patients experience localized pain or a feeling of constriction, and the formation of dark red or purplish external hemorrhoids can be visibly seen at the anus, which are very painful to the touch. Treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids primarily involves topical medications or surgery. If the symptoms are mild, one may choose to apply hemorrhoid cream or use diluted saline solution to compress and reduce swelling. Surgery can also be opted to excise and remove the affected external hemorrhoids. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally occur in individuals who strain excessively during defecation or after extreme fatigue. Therefore, if accompanied by dry stools, it is necessary to use stool softeners to help lubricate and ease bowel movements for treatment.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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The difference between internal and external hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located above the dentate line in the anal canal, at the end of the rectum, and are innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Clinically, they are mainly characterized by intermittent, painless rectal bleeding. The blood is bright red, often dripping or spraying after defecation. If internal hemorrhoids worsen, they can prolapse and even become strangulated and edematous, causing anal swelling and pain. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located below the dentate line in the anal canal, and are innervated by the spinal nerves, making them more sensitive to pain. Clinically, they are categorized into skin tag-type external hemorrhoids, varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, and thrombotic external hemorrhoids. Skin tag-type and varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids primarily cause a sensation of a foreign body and itching in the anus, while inflammatory or thrombotic external hemorrhoids can lead to an increase in perianal secretions and anal swelling and pain, necessitating prompt surgical removal of the external hemorrhoids.