What is inside a thrombotic external hemorrhoid?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a common clinical presentation of external hemorrhoids. During an episode, blood clots generally form within the hemorrhoidal nucleus, which means that thrombotic external hemorrhoids mainly consist of blood clot particles. Because the blood clots are wrapped inside the hemorrhoidal nucleus, the pressure inside the nucleus increases, leading to congestion and edema. Patients experience significant pain and a feeling of fullness. Severe symptoms may also affect the patient's ability to sit or walk normally. Therefore, it is crucial to treat thrombotic external hemorrhoids early in their development. For early-stage mild thrombotic external hemorrhoids, local treatments such as hot compresses with hemorrhoidal medication or manual pressure can be employed to promote the absorption of the blood clots. Oral medications that reduce swelling, relieve pain, and stop bleeding can also be used for symptomatic relief. If thrombotic external hemorrhoids recur frequently or if conservative medication fails, surgical excision and stripping of the thrombotic external hemorrhoids can also be considered.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What does an external hemorrhoid look like?

External hemorrhoids are hypertrophic protrusions of the skin around the anal margin, forming skin tags, or expansions of the subcutaneous venous plexus, where blood flow stagnates and thromboses form, or other raised lesion-like abnormalities appear. Based on histopathological characteristics, external hemorrhoids can be categorized into four main types: connective tissue-type, thrombotic-type, varicose-type, and inflammatory external hemorrhoids. Connective tissue-type external hemorrhoids primarily consist of hypertrophic protrusions of the anal margin skin tags, also known as skin tag external hemorrhoids. Varicose-type external hemorrhoids, also known as venous cluster-type external hemorrhoids, occur when the venous plexus below the dentate line expands and twists, forming venous clusters. Inflammatory external hemorrhoids are a condition where pre-existing skin tag external hemorrhoids develop inflammatory changes. Thrombotic-type external hemorrhoids are a type of anal disease that occurs due to bleeding from the hemorrhoidal veins or the formation of thromboses in the skin around the anus.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Is surgery necessary for thrombosed external hemorrhoids?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids do not necessarily require surgery during the acute phase of an attack. If the thrombotic external hemorrhoids are mild, Chinese herbal medicine can be used for local topical application to relieve symptoms. Early-stage or mild thrombotic external hemorrhoids may only form small thrombi, and the pain experienced by the patient is not very intense. Therefore, one can opt to use Chinese herbal washes for hot compresses and fumigation, along with the application of hemorrhoid cream to alleviate symptoms. However, it is only recommended to perform excision surgery for thrombotic external hemorrhoids if they are acutely recurring over a long period or repeatedly, severely affecting the patient's life. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and avoid self-medication.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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How to eliminate external hemorrhoids with a fleshy lump?

External hemorrhoids involving a flesh mass are considered organic lesions. Complete removal typically requires hemorrhoid surgery, such as excision of external hemorrhoids or debridement surgery. Postoperative care includes changing dressings using products like anal washes, red oil gauze strips, and golden ointment. It is also important for patients to develop good bowel habits post-surgery, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid prolonged or excessive straining to facilitate recovery and prevent recurrence of external hemorrhoids. If treated solely with conservative medication, the flesh mass of external hemorrhoids can only be reduced, not completely eliminated. Inappropriate diet or abnormal bowel movements can lead to an increase in the size of external hemorrhoids, potentially causing inflammatory edema or thrombosis, which can result in significant anal discomfort and severely impact the patient’s normal life. Therefore, the treatment approach for external hemorrhoid flesh mass should be based on the severity of the condition.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Does the surgical removal of external hemorrhoids hurt?

Surgical removal of external hemorrhoids generally does not cause significant pain because anesthesia is required for the procedure. There are options for anesthesia, including local infiltration anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia via intravenous injection, ensuring the patient does not experience notable pain during the surgery. However, post-surgery sensitivity is higher because the external hemorrhoids are innervated by perineal nerves. Therefore, it is crucial to use pain relief medication appropriately when changing dressings to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, it is essential to prevent infection, inflammation, or swelling of the wound to reduce postoperative pain. Patients should also manage their bowel movements to avoid dry, hard stools; smooth bowel movements can somewhat relieve postoperative pain. If the pain is particularly severe, the use of diclofenac sodium suppositories for anal insertion can help reduce inflammation and pain. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Do external hemorrhoids always require surgery?

Simple external hemorrhoids do not necessarily require surgery. External hemorrhoids are mainly those that grow below the dentate line, and their main clinical manifestation is a foreign body sensation in the anus, which does not pose a significant risk to the body. Only thrombosed external hemorrhoids with obvious anal pain may not require surgery if the lump is small, as the thrombus can be absorbed on its own. Only those with large lumps need to have the thrombus removed to alleviate pain.