Is internal hemorrhoid prolapse the same as mixed hemorrhoids?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on July 03, 2025
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Internal hemorrhoid prolapse is not the same as mixed hemorrhoids. Mixed hemorrhoids mainly occur when a patient has both internal and external hemorrhoids, forming a local mucosal bulge at the dentate line. Simple internal hemorrhoid prolapse is just a clinical symptom of internal hemorrhoids, whereas mixed hemorrhoids primarily include both internal and local external hemorrhoids. In cases of internal hemorrhoid prolapse, mild prolapses can generally retract back into the anus on their own, and the primary treatment method involves the topical application of hemorrhoid cream. For severe prolapses, each prolapse requires manual reinsertion by the patient, or in cases of severe prolapse, prolapse may occur when squatting or exerting excessive abdominal effort, and surgery is recommended.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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How long will it take for internal hemorrhoids to become necrotic if they prolapse?

The duration before prolapsed internal hemorrhoids become necrotic is directly related to the severity of the prolapse. If the prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are minimal and there are no significant inflammatory infections or thrombosis, necrosis is generally unlikely to occur in such cases. However, it might lead to an increase in secretions in the anal area, causing pain and discomfort. In this scenario, it is advisable to immediately reduce the prolapse manually, along with using medications to reduce swelling, to help retract the hemorrhoids back inside the anus. However, if the prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are large and there is edema due to entrapment, and local thrombosis has occurred, then necrosis might develop within three to five days. In such cases, it is recommended that the patient promptly visits the proctology department of a hospital to undergo internal hemorrhoid surgery, such as hemorrhoidal banding, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). Post-surgery, it is essential to keep changing dressings to avoid infection and bleeding from the surgical wound.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol if you have internal hemorrhoids bleeding?

If a patient experiences internal hemorrhoid bleeding, it is not advisable to drink alcohol during the bleeding period. Alcohol contains excessive amounts of irritating substances. Excessive drinking can cause excessive congestion of the mucous membrane of the internal hemorrhoids, and the already ruptured mucosa may increase the likelihood of further bleeding. Therefore, drinking alcohol during internal hemorrhoid bleeding can increase the amount of bleeding and might even lead to an increase in the size of the hemorrhoids, or the formation of acute edema and thrombosis, worsening the severity of the condition. During the bleeding period of internal hemorrhoids, patients are advised to follow a light diet and may need to further combine this with oral hemostatic medications, or use hemorrhoidal suppositories and hemorrhoid creams for symptomatic hemostasis and anti-swelling treatment. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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What color is a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid?

If internal hemorrhoids prolapse, it indicates that the hemorrhoidal venous plexus is severely varicose and congested, and the anal cushion has pathologically enlarged and descended, leading to the prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids. The color of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids at the anal opening commonly appears as purple lumps or swellings. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot retract back into the anus, even with manual assistance, this condition may lead to necrosis of the internal hemorrhoids. If necrosis occurs and results in localized thrombosis, the hemorrhoids may turn black. In such cases, prompt surgical treatment is required to prevent necrosis and worsening infection of the hemorrhoids. Surgical options include internal hemorrhoid ligation, PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids), or TST (transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization), as well as the traditional excision and ligation. Postoperatively, consistent wound dressing changes are necessary to promote healing.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if internal hemorrhoids have prolapsed and not retracted for two or three days?

If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot be reduced back into the anus on their own, and even after they are manually repositioned by a patient or a doctor they prolapse again, it may indicate that local incarceration or necrosis has occurred. It is recommended to undergo surgery as soon as possible to prevent circulatory disturbances from prolonged prolapse, which can lead to necrotic changes in the local muscle tissues. The surgical methods primarily include hemorrhoidectomy with mixed hemorrhoid stripping and ligation, combined with an internal excision procedure. Additionally, sclerotherapy injections for internal hemorrhoids can be used to improve the overall treatment effects. After surgery, avoid straining during bowel movements to prevent local pain or bleeding.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Internal hemorrhoids prolapse, generally refers to the hemorrhoidal tissue prolapsing from inside the anus to outside of it, and typically divided into four stages based on the extent of prolapse. First-degree internal hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoidal tissue that does not prolapse outside the anus. Second-degree internal hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoidal tissue prolapsing outside the anus but can retract back inside automatically after defecation. Third-degree internal hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoidal tissue that, after prolapsing outside the anus, requires manual assistance to be pushed back inside. Fourth-degree internal hemorrhoids are when the prolapsed tissue cannot be retracted, not even manually, and this condition can be accompanied by pain in the anus.