Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 12, 2024
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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 He Cai Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What should I do if the internal hemorrhoids hurt after being pushed back in?

If the pain does not subside after pushing back a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, it is often due to the formation of a thrombus, which is why the localized pain is quite noticeable. In such cases, it is advised to use topical medications for treatment. You can use hemorrhoid suppositories or ointment, inserting them into the anus to alleviate the pain. If the pain remains significant, you can also take oral pain relievers temporarily. If pain persists even after these treatments, it may be considered a strangulated hemorrhoid, which is more serious. It is recommended that you visit a formal hospital's proctology department. There, a doctor can perform a digital rectal examination and an anoscopy to establish a definitive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. If very severe, surgery may be needed. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Internal hemorrhoids bleeding is what color?

Rectal bleeding is the primary clinical symptom of internal hemorrhoids, typically characterized by bright red blood. Bleeding after bowel movements is one of the early symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, which often have no significant initial conscious symptoms, commonly presenting as blood-streaked stool after defecation. Bleeding after bowel movements can appear as dripping or spraying, bright red, painless, and not mixed with the stool. This distinction is crucial for differentiating from cancer. Rectal bleeding generally increases in severity over time, progressing from small amounts of blood to significant bleeding. Prolonged and repeated bleeding can lead to severe anemia in patients.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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The harm of internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are one of the main clinical manifestations of internal hemorrhoids, and their harm is mainly manifested in two aspects: Firstly, the prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue outside the anus can lead to perianal skin eczema and itching, and anal eczema. Secondly, it can lead to incarcerated hemorrhoids, where the prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, held by the sphincter, forms congestion, and is accompanied by hardening of the hemorrhoidal tissue, pain, and even necrosis.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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How to solve internal hemorrhoids that are prolapsed and incarcerated?

In clinical practice, for cases where internal hemorrhoids prolapse and become incarcerated, surgical treatment is often recommended. This is because the prolapse of internal hemorrhoids indicates a significant displacement and that the hemorrhoids have been prolapsed for a long time, which can lead to incarceration. In such cases, there is a risk of localized swelling or thrombosis formation, causing anal swelling and pain, and in severe cases, necrosis of the prolapsed tissue. Therefore, it is advised to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible for incarcerated internal hemorrhoidal prolapse. Surgical options include hemorrhoidal banding, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), and TST (Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization) among others. Anesthetic choices can range from local infiltration anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, to general intravenous anesthesia. With spinal and general anesthesia, the patient does not experience pain during surgery and does not feel fear of pain. Post-surgery, it is also necessary to select appropriate medications for dressing changes, such as anal washes, hemorrhoidal suppositories, and golden yellow ointment to promote wound healing.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do about internal hemorrhoids?

In clinical practice, the treatment of internal hemorrhoids mainly depends on the symptoms presented by the patient, and an appropriate treatment method is selected accordingly. For example, patients with early-stage internal hemorrhoids who experience intermittent rectal bleeding are usually advised to use hemorrhoid suppositories or ointments after defecation. However, as the condition of internal hemorrhoids worsens, which might include prolapse or even symptoms of anemia, surgical treatment is often recommended. Clinically, surgery for internal hemorrhoids can involve sclerotherapy injections, hemorrhoidal banding, or other surgical methods such as PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids) or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). Post-surgery, dressing changes are necessary, and products such as rectal cleansing solutions, oil gauze strips, or ointments are commonly used. Moreover, it is crucial for patients to maintain smooth bowel movements post-surgery to avoid wound infection, bleeding, or edema, and they should adhere to a light diet avoiding spicy, stimulating, and dry foods. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)