What department should I go to at the hospital for internal hemorrhoids?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on February 17, 2025
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Patients with internal hemorrhoids should go to the proctology department at the hospital, because internal hemorrhoids are venous clusters that grow above the dentate line of the rectum. The main symptom is rectal bleeding, along with prolapse, pain, anal itching, and a feeling of heaviness around the anus as the primary clinical manifestations. Proctologists have a good knowledge base about diseases around the anal area and are well-versed in diagnosing and treating internal hemorrhoids, as well as managing post-surgical recovery. Therefore, it is appropriate for patients with internal hemorrhoids to consult the proctology department after arriving at the hospital.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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The difference between rectal prolapse and internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Rectal prolapse primarily refers to the prolapse of the rectal mucosa or part of the sigmoid colon mucosa, partially or completely falling out of the anus. Generally, there is a ring-shaped or cylindrical mucosa protrusion outside the anus. Internal hemorrhoid prolapse involves the partial prolapse of the mucosa near the dentate line, typically appearing as small lumps or accompanied by local venous thrombosis and varicose clusters, with rectal prolapse being more severe than internal hemorrhoid prolapse. The treatment of rectal prolapse mainly involves surgery, while early stages of internal hemorrhoid prolapse can be treated with medications. This involves using topical hemorrhoid creams or suppositories to alleviate symptoms. If there are recurrent prolapses or accompanying bleeding during bowel movements, surgical treatment may also be considered. Surgical methods for rectal prolapse primarily involve local mucosal ring excision, whereas surgeries for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoid ligation or banding procedures.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Why is internal hemorrhoid bleeding painless?

Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is the most common primary clinical manifestation in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clusters that grow above the dentate line, and their onset occurs above this line. The area above the dentate line is mainly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, making it insensitive to pain and irritation. Therefore, many patients with bleeding internal hemorrhoids may not even realize it themselves, as it does not cause pain. In contrast, external and mixed hemorrhoids, which involve the area below the dentate line, are controlled by somatic nerves, making pain more readily felt.

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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids cause constipation?

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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Colorectal Surgery
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Treatment of internal hemorrhoids

The treatment of internal hemorrhoids mainly divides into two aspects: non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. As for non-surgical treatment, it consists of general treatment, which includes drinking more water, consuming more dietary fiber, ensuring smooth bowel movements, taking hot sitz baths, and maintaining cleanliness around the anus. The second aspect is medication treatment, which involves oral medications. The third involves local treatment around the anal area, such as inserting hemorrhoid suppositories and applying hemorrhoid ointments. The second aspect is surgical treatment, which generally includes two methods. The first is the ligation of internal hemorrhoids, known as internal hemorrhoid ligation; the second is injecting a sclerosing agent into the internal hemorrhoids to harden them. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)