The difference between rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Rectal polyps are skin-like mucosal protrusions that grow on the rectal mucosa, whereas internal hemorrhoids are confined to congestion and protrusion of the mucosa around the dentate line. The formation of rectal polyps is mainly due to long-term stimulation by feces, or certain constitutional and genetic factors, while the most likely cause of internal hemorrhoids is chronic congestion and edema around the anal area or the formation of venous thrombosis, leading to local varicose clusters. After the discovery of rectal polyps, it is necessary to perform surgery as soon as possible; however, the treatment for internal hemorrhoids in the early stages is primarily conservative, aimed at delaying the frequency of disease attacks and improving the quality of life for the patient. If the internal hemorrhoids reach a later stage or become severe, manifested by recurrent prolapse and rectal bleeding, surgical removal is recommended.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
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Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?

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 Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if internal hemorrhoids always bleed?

Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clumps located above the dentate line. When these hemorrhoids are injured or ruptured, bleeding during bowel movements occurs, which is the most common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Frequent bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can first be treated conservatively, such as by taking oral hemostatic medications, followed by the local application of hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, and the like. If bleeding consistently persists, surgical treatment may be required. Once internal hemorrhoids present symptoms of bleeding or prolapse, they typically indicate the need for surgery, hence treatment for frequent bleeding in internal hemorrhoids can be either conservative or surgical.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How many days will it take for internal hemorrhoids to heal after prolapse?

If a patient exhibits prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, it is first recommended that a professional proctologist reposition the prolapsed hemorrhoids. If prolapse continues to recur after repositioning, the likelihood of spontaneous recovery is low, and the patient will likely need further surgical treatment. Prolapse is a common clinical symptom of hemorrhoids. If it is a simple prolapse that can retract spontaneously, symptoms can be relieved within 3 to 5 days after medication treatment. However, if the prolapse requires manual repositioning by the patient, or if it recurs repeatedly, surgical removal is necessary. Recovery from the surgery typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

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Can internal hemorrhoids heal on their own?

To determine whether internal hemorrhoids bleeding is self-healing, one should primarily assess the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to further evaluate the severity of the condition. If it is the first occurrence or if the bleeding is mostly noticeable on toilet paper and is relatively minor, self-healing of internal hemorrhoids bleeding can be achieved through lubrication of the stool during defecation and, if necessary, oral administration of cooling blood-stopping medications. However, if the bleeding duration is prolonged, or if the amount of bleeding is significant each time, it is unlikely to achieve complete healing simply through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or even medication. Further surgical ligation and hemostasis treatment may be required for the patient.