Do external hemorrhoids always require surgery?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 26, 2024
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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.

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Symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoids. They are caused by the rupture of blood vessels in external hemorrhoids, leading to blood spillage, which in turn causes pain and inflammation. The symptoms manifest as a sudden hard lump near the anus. If visible, subcutaneous purple bruises can be seen, and pressing on it causes pain. Generally, surgical treatment is required.

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How long does it take for a thrombosed external hemorrhoid to subside?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoids. Generally, after 2-3 days, the thrombus begins to be absorbed and the pain significantly reduces and can be healed. However, in cases with a large thrombotic lump, significant pain can occur and in severe cases, it can hinder walking. The patient may be restless whether sitting or lying down, the surface may re-ulcerate, causing bleeding, and the thrombus can naturally expel itself. At this time, the lump will be eliminated.

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Can external hemorrhoids use hemorrhoid suppositories?

In clinical practice, hemorrhoidal suppositories can also be used for external hemorrhoids. Since hemorrhoidal suppositories are mainly administered through the rectum to act locally, they have a certain therapeutic effect on external hemorrhoids, especially for varicose external hemorrhoids and inflammatory external hemorrhoids, helping to alleviate local swelling and pain. Additionally, for external hemorrhoids, it is often recommended to use anal cleansers, or to sit in baths with potassium permanganate or other medicated solutions, combined with the external application of hemorrhoidal cream or golden ointment. If symptoms do not show significant improvement after four to five days of medication treatment, it is advisable to visit a hospital's proctology department for external hemorrhoid surgery as soon as possible, to prevent potential thrombosis or necrosis of the external hemorrhoids. Moreover, patients should develop good bowel habits, avoiding prolonged sitting or excessive straining during bowel movements to prevent worsening of external hemorrhoids. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor)

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How to deal with external hemorrhoids bleeding?

If external hemorrhoids bleed without apparent reason, it may be due to the rupture of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, leading to bleeding. Firstly, it is necessary to disinfect and clean the local wound to avoid accumulation of blood or contaminants and feces, which may cause infection of the wound. If the bleeding does not stop, topical hemostatic drugs or oral hemostatic drugs should be used for symptomatic treatment. If external hemorrhoids bleed and are accompanied by severe prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended that the patient undergo surgical treatment to remove and ligate both external and internal hemorrhoids at the same time. This can further prevent exacerbation of bleeding and fundamentally treat hemorrhoids. Patients with bleeding external hemorrhoids must have a light diet and avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers and seafood. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can external hemorrhoids be pushed back in by hand?

External hemorrhoids cannot be pushed back in by hand, as they are swollen around the anus, not prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. If they were prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the lump could be pushed back in. For external hemorrhoids, if it is a short-term flare-up, it is recommended to take a warm saltwater sitz bath. After ten minutes, apply hemorrhoid cream to the affected area once in the morning and evening. Oral medication can also be used in conjunction, and treatment for a week can reduce the swelling. If the external hemorrhoid lump is very large and accompanied by severe pain, thrombosed hemorrhoids should be considered, and it is necessary to visit the hospital's proctology department. Surgery may be required if necessary. Diet should be light; spicy and irritating foods should not be eaten, nor should triggering foods like beef, lamb, and seafood. Alcohol consumption, including beer, should be avoided.