How long does it take to recover after external hemorrhoidectomy?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on January 18, 2025
00:00
00:00

External hemorrhoids are mainly classified into inflammatory external hemorrhoids, thrombotic external hemorrhoids, connective tissue external hemorrhoids, and varicose vein external hemorrhoids. Regardless of the type, the primary treatment method is surgical removal. After the hemorrhoids are excised, the perianal area generally does not bleed when passing stools for the first two to three days, and the patient can usually go home in about 7 days. For complete recovery to the pre-condition state, it is estimated to take between 20 days to a month.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min 13sec home-news-image

Thrombosed external hemorrhoid characteristics

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are a clinical type of external hemorrhoids. The main characteristics of the hemorrhoid nucleus in thrombosed external hemorrhoids are that the hemorrhoid nucleus is stuck at the anus and cannot retract, accompanied by swelling and enlargement. As the hemorrhoid nucleus contains thrombosis, its color is mostly purplish red or dark red, and patients will experience severe local pain and a sensation of distension. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally belong to the acute phase of external hemorrhoids, often occurring when the stool is dry or the intestinal heat is severe. For the treatment of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, one can choose Chinese herbal solution for hot compresses to promote the absorption of the thrombus, or directly perform a surgical excision. (This answer is for reference only. For medication, please consult a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min home-news-image

What fruits should be eaten for thrombotic external hemorrhoids?

During the acute phase of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, patients experience varying degrees of pain in the anal region, occasionally accompanied by a feeling of bloating. Therefore, the diet should primarily consist of light, liquid, and easy-to-digest foods. If consuming fruits, it is best to eat soft, cool-natured fruits such as dragon fruit and bananas, avoiding hard or tropical fruits that may cause dry stools, which can exacerbate the symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids. During the acute phase of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, in addition to dietary considerations, it is also necessary to use topical hemorrhoid cream locally or undergo surgery to excise and strip the local thrombosis for significant symptom relief, to prevent the condition from worsening, which could lead to increased thrombosis or necrosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 9sec home-news-image

The difference between internal and external hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located above the dentate line in the anal canal, at the end of the rectum, and are innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Clinically, they are mainly characterized by intermittent, painless rectal bleeding. The blood is bright red, often dripping or spraying after defecation. If internal hemorrhoids worsen, they can prolapse and even become strangulated and edematous, causing anal swelling and pain. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located below the dentate line in the anal canal, and are innervated by the spinal nerves, making them more sensitive to pain. Clinically, they are categorized into skin tag-type external hemorrhoids, varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, and thrombotic external hemorrhoids. Skin tag-type and varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids primarily cause a sensation of a foreign body and itching in the anus, while inflammatory or thrombotic external hemorrhoids can lead to an increase in perianal secretions and anal swelling and pain, necessitating prompt surgical removal of the external hemorrhoids.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min 7sec home-news-image

What medicine is used for thrombotic external hemorrhoids?

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally result from the formation of blood clots inside the local external hemorrhoids, causing acute symptoms. During an episode of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, patients experience localized pain or a feeling of constriction, and the formation of dark red or purplish external hemorrhoids can be visibly seen at the anus, which are very painful to the touch. Treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids primarily involves topical medications or surgery. If the symptoms are mild, one may choose to apply hemorrhoid cream or use diluted saline solution to compress and reduce swelling. Surgery can also be opted to excise and remove the affected external hemorrhoids. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally occur in individuals who strain excessively during defecation or after extreme fatigue. Therefore, if accompanied by dry stools, it is necessary to use stool softeners to help lubricate and ease bowel movements for treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
1min 2sec home-news-image

Can external hemorrhoids be eliminated?

External hemorrhoids are generally divided into skin tag-type external hemorrhoids, thrombotic external hemorrhoids, and inflammatory edematous external hemorrhoids; each type presents different clinical symptoms. If the condition is skin tag-type external hemorrhoids or connective tissue-type external hemorrhoids, the patient generally does not feel obvious symptoms, but these will not resolve on their own and require surgical removal. If skin tag-type or connective tissue-type external hemorrhoids do not affect the patient's normal life, it is possible to avoid excessive intervention and treatment. However, if it is thrombotic external hemorrhoids or inflammatory edematous external hemorrhoids, since there is significant pain during flare-ups that affects the patient’s normal life, surgical removal and treatment should be performed as soon as possible.