Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on November 06, 2024
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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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Do internal hemorrhoids need treatment?

Internal hemorrhoids require active treatment. If not actively treated, internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and worsen, or bleeding may intensify. This can lead to severe local symptoms and potentially develop from early-stage symptoms that are mild, into more severe cases that may only be significantly improved through surgery. The treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids primarily involve the use of topical and oral medications. When prolapse or severe swelling occurs, patients can take oral medications that clear heat, cool the blood, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain, specifically for hemorrhoids. These should be combined with local anal suppositories for symptomatic treatment. For cases accompanied by bleeding, oral hemostatic medications can be administered. If the prolapse is substantial, or if the internal hemorrhoids cannot retract back into the anus, surgical removal is recommended. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Hemorrhoids: What dietary considerations should be noted?

Patients with internal hemorrhoids should primarily focus on a reasonable diet, paying attention to eat less or avoid spicy and stimulating foods and condiments. Additionally, they should cultivate the habit of drinking more water, preferably light salt water or honey water. For constipation and hemorrhoids, it's important to consciously drink more water and eat more fruits and fresh vegetables, especially those that are rich in coarse fiber. Stimulating foods such as chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, garlic, and onions should be consumed minimally.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Will internal hemorrhoids be painful?

If internal hemorrhoids experience local mucosal rupture or repeated prolapse leading to friction of the mucosa, it is likely to cause pain and even bleeding. To avoid pain caused by internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended that patients use hemorrhoid suppositories for local administration in the rectum for early flare-ups to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and cool and stop bleeding. If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot retract back into the anal canal on their own after each prolapse, it is suggested that patients consider surgery to ligate and excise the affected internal hemorrhoids, or inject sclerosants under the mucosa of the hemorrhoids to cause local mucosal consolidation and shedding. Patients with internal hemorrhoids are advised not to strain excessively during bowel movements to avoid worsening local congestion and edema.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Does pressing on an internal hemorrhoid cause pain?

If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and become incarcerated or a thrombus forms locally, pressing on the area will cause pain, especially when the patient is walking or sitting, making the pain more apparent. For such cases, which are considered a severe stage of internal hemorrhoids, it's advisable to undertake surgical treatment as soon as possible. Clinically, treatment options for internal hemorrhoids include procedures like rubber band ligation, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization), with continued dressing changes required post-surgery. However, if the prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can retract spontaneously or can be manually reduced, pressing on them generally does not cause pain because internal hemorrhoids are located above the dentate line in the anal canal, an area innervated by autonomic nerves, which are less sensitive to pain. In the absence of inflammation or thrombosis, pressing on the area will not typically cause pain. In such cases, patients should develop good bowel habits to prevent the further worsening of internal hemorrhoids.