Can internal hemorrhoids cause constipation?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 16, 2024
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When internal hemorrhoids flare up, if their size increases and obstructs the anal opening, it can prevent normal defecation or make it difficult, potentially causing symptoms of constipation such as difficulty in defecating or poor bowel movements. Prolonged and recurrent difficulty in defecating can also lead to overly dry stools within the intestinal lumen, further exacerbating symptoms of constipation. Therefore, constipation is one of the most common clinical complications of hemorrhoids. To treat constipation, one can initially choose oral medications that lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. At the same time, it is essential to actively treat hemorrhoids, reduce the size of the hemorrhoidal tissue, or directly remove both internal and external hemorrhoids, to enable normal expulsion of stool.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to treat internal hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are divided into internal, external, and mixed types. The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids mainly include local pain, prolapse, and rectal bleeding due to rupture. If there are recurrent episodes or associated inflammation, there may also be an increase in secretions, which can irritate the local skin around the anus and cause itching. Therefore, the primary treatment for internal hemorrhoids involves the use of suppository hemorrhoid plugs. If there is accompanying bleeding, it is also necessary to combine this with oral hemostatic medications. In cases of perianal itching, options such as sichuan pepper water or other insecticidal and anti-itch traditional Chinese medicine washes can be used for fumigation and hot compresses on the affected area.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Although the bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless and not itchy, it occurs during bowel movements and can be either a trickle or a spray of blood. Although the amount of bleeding might not be large and may subside naturally, in clinical practice, we have seen a minority of patients with long-term chronic bleeding leading to severe anemia. For example, the normal hemoglobin level in adults should be 120g/L, but at the time of consultation, their hemoglobin has dropped to 30, 40, or 50g/L. Treatment then requires an initial blood transfusion followed by surgery, which can be quite complicated. Therefore, bleeding from internal hemorrhoids should be taken seriously.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How is internal hemorrhoids treated? Is there a way?

There are many treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids, the most common being medication. If the internal hemorrhoids repeatedly prolapse or bleed significantly, direct surgical removal can also be considered. Conservative treatments primarily involve the local use of hemorrhoid suppositories, combined with oral hemostatic and anti-swelling traditional Chinese medicine. If surgical criteria are met, direct surgical removal can be performed. Surgical methods mainly include injection of sclerosing agents into the mucosa of internal hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoid banding, and internal hemorrhoid ligation and excision. To prevent recurrence after surgery, patients should maintain good dietary and bowel habits postoperatively, avoid overly spicy and stimulating foods, and try to keep bowel movements under ten minutes without straining excessively.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?

After prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, moist compresses can be applied, but the therapeutic effect of moist compresses is not significant. The prolapse of internal hemorrhoids mainly occurs when the anal cushion pathologically enlarges and shifts downward, leading to the prolapse. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be retracted back into the anus, this can lead to incarcerated edema, causing swelling and pain around the anus. If the incarceration lasts too long, it can induce local thrombosis or even necrosis. In such cases, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. Common surgical methods include internal hemorrhoid ligation, internal hemorrhoid excision, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). After surgery, it is advisable to use anal washes or potassium permanganate solutions for sitz baths, and then apply topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams, red oil gauze strips, and yellow ointments to promote postoperative recovery. Moreover, patients should develop good bowel habits after surgery to maintain smooth bowel movements, which further aids recovery. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How long does it take to recover from internal hemorrhoidectomy surgery?

The recovery time after internal hemorrhoidectomy mainly depends on the severity of the condition before the surgery. Most internal hemorrhoidectomies, specifically referring to internal hemorrhoid ligation surgeries combined with sclerotherapy injections, generally require a recovery period of about 2-3 weeks. If the internal hemorrhoids were significantly prolapsed before the surgery or if there were multiple prolapsed hemorrhoids, the recovery time might be relatively longer. If the procedure involved only localized ligation or sclerotherapy injections and there are no external wounds around the anus, the recovery time is approximately one week. During the recovery period, patients need to maintain a light diet, avoid dry stools and excessive straining during bowel movements, which could lead to pain or bleeding at the surgical site.