Can external hemorrhoids be eliminated?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on March 03, 2025
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External hemorrhoids can certainly be removed. Clinically, surgical treatment can be used to remove external hemorrhoidal masses. Hemorrhoidectomy is a common surgical option and can be performed under local infiltration anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia. After surgery, it is crucial for patients to adhere to changing dressings to avoid infections, inflammation, or edema at the wound site. Dietary precautions should be taken as well; spicy, irritating, and dry foods should be avoided as much as possible. If patients prefer not to undergo surgery, medications can be considered for treating external hemorrhoids, though they can only reduce the size of the hemorrhoidal masses, not eliminate them entirely. Common treatments include anal washes and sitz baths, topical application of golden ointment, and when necessary, oral administration of Diosmin can help reduce swelling. Additionally, patients should regularly perform pelvic floor exercises and avoid prolonged or excessive straining during bowel movements.

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Colorectal Surgery
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Can anal dilation treat external hemorrhoids?

Anal dilation cannot treat external hemorrhoids. Anal dilation, also known as anal canal dilation surgery, is a common surgical treatment method in proctology. It primarily involves using external force to increase the diameter of the anal canal in order to achieve the purpose of dilation. It is mainly used for patients with early-stage anal fissures and anal stenosis. External hemorrhoids, which grow below the dentate line of the anal canal skin, are not affected by anal dilation treatments.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Do external hemorrhoids require surgery?

If external hemorrhoids do not cause any discomfort to the patient, then it is possible to delay surgical treatment in this situation. This is because the treatment of external hemorrhoids is primarily based on their clinical symptoms to choose different treatment methods. If it is simply a case of redundant skin hemorrhoids, where the patient only experiences a slight foreign body sensation in the anus, surgical intervention is not necessary. The patient only needs to maintain smooth bowel movements, perform more anal lifting exercises, avoid prolonged sitting and squatting, and take a warm saltwater sitz bath after defecation to prevent exacerbation of the external hemorrhoids. However, if the external hemorrhoid node develops inflammatory edema or thrombosis, causing anal swelling and pain, and the patient is unable to walk normally, it is then recommended to promptly visit the proctology department of a hospital to undergo external hemorrhoidectomy, to prevent worsening of the inflammatory edema or thrombosis, leading to significant anal swelling and pain.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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How long does it take for a thrombosed external hemorrhoid to subside?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoids. Generally, after 2-3 days, the thrombus begins to be absorbed and the pain significantly reduces and can be healed. However, in cases with a large thrombotic lump, significant pain can occur and in severe cases, it can hinder walking. The patient may be restless whether sitting or lying down, the surface may re-ulcerate, causing bleeding, and the thrombus can naturally expel itself. At this time, the lump will be eliminated.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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External hemorrhoids are located.

External hemorrhoids are formed by the inferior rectal venous plexus, located below the dentate line, and are covered by the skin of the anal canal. The most common type is thrombosed external hemorrhoids, which form when a blood clot develops in the subcutaneous venous plexus of the anal canal. Connective tissue external hemorrhoids and inflammatory external hemorrhoids are also relatively common, both located below the dentate line, around the anal margin and inside the anal canal. Generally speaking, hemorrhoids below the dentate line are called external hemorrhoids, and those above the dentate line are called internal hemorrhoids.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Do external hemorrhoids without any symptoms need treatment?

External hemorrhoids can be categorized into skin tag-like external hemorrhoids, varicose vein-like external hemorrhoids, and thrombosed external hemorrhoids. Most patients with skin tag-like external hemorrhoids do not have any sensations, and in such cases, treatment is not necessary. Patients only need to pay attention to the hygiene around the anal area. After each bowel movement, they should wash the anal area with clean water. They should also frequently change their underwear, and their diet should be light and easily digestible to avoid diarrhea or constipation. During bowel movements, it's important to ensure the process is smooth to avoid lengthy bathroom visits or excessive straining, which can prevent the exacerbation of skin tag-like external hemorrhoids, hence no treatment would be needed. However, for varicose vein-like external hemorrhoids or thrombosed external hemorrhoids, patients may experience a foreign body sensation or pain around the anus. In such cases, conservative treatment with medications can be considered initially. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention may be required.