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 Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids require surgery?

The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are numerous, and surgery is only recommended if the internal hemorrhoids frequently recur, or if the clinical symptoms are severe. Severe internal hemorrhoids are primarily characterized by substantial rectal bleeding or recurrent prolapses, and due to repeated prolapses, friction on the local mucosa may even cause anal pain. A severe symptom of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids is that after each prolapse, the patient needs to manually reposition them, accompanied by jet-like or dripping fresh red rectal bleeding. Surgical methods for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoidectomy with ligation or local injection of sclerosing agents.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids require surgery?

Surgical indications for internal hemorrhoids include bleeding and prolapse of anal masses. These symptoms necessitate surgical treatment. Secondly, if scheduling surgery is not possible due to being busy, conservative treatment like applying ointment to the anus or taking medication can be used initially to alleviate the symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, it is still not too late to opt for surgery. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do about internal hemorrhoids?

In clinical practice, the treatment of internal hemorrhoids mainly depends on the symptoms presented by the patient, and an appropriate treatment method is selected accordingly. For example, patients with early-stage internal hemorrhoids who experience intermittent rectal bleeding are usually advised to use hemorrhoid suppositories or ointments after defecation. However, as the condition of internal hemorrhoids worsens, which might include prolapse or even symptoms of anemia, surgical treatment is often recommended. Clinically, surgery for internal hemorrhoids can involve sclerotherapy injections, hemorrhoidal banding, or other surgical methods such as PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids) or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). Post-surgery, dressing changes are necessary, and products such as rectal cleansing solutions, oil gauze strips, or ointments are commonly used. Moreover, it is crucial for patients to maintain smooth bowel movements post-surgery to avoid wound infection, bleeding, or edema, and they should adhere to a light diet avoiding spicy, stimulating, and dry foods. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What department should I go to at the hospital for internal hemorrhoids?

Patients with internal hemorrhoids should go to the proctology department at the hospital, because internal hemorrhoids are venous clusters that grow above the dentate line of the rectum. The main symptom is rectal bleeding, along with prolapse, pain, anal itching, and a feeling of heaviness around the anus as the primary clinical manifestations. Proctologists have a good knowledge base about diseases around the anal area and are well-versed in diagnosing and treating internal hemorrhoids, as well as managing post-surgical recovery. Therefore, it is appropriate for patients with internal hemorrhoids to consult the proctology department after arriving at the hospital.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids be treated by prolapse and bloodletting?

Bleeding should not be used for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, as this condition is primarily caused by improper defecation habits leading to pathological enlargement and descent of the anal cushion, which results in the prolapse of internal hemorrhoids. In the early stage, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can retract back into the anus after defecation, and under such circumstances, it is only required for the patient to develop good bowel habits. For example, avoid spending too much time on defecation, don't exert excessive force, perform sphincter exercises after defecation, and maintain smooth bowel movements. Attention should also be paid to perianal hygiene; it is advised to wash the area with warm saline water after defecation to avoid worsening the prolapse or causing incarcerated edema. However, for cases where incarcerated edema occurs, it is generally recommended to consider prompt surgical intervention, such as hemorrhoidal ligation, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Stapling Technique). The use of bleeding as a treatment does not have significant therapeutic effects for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, and thus is not recommended in clinical practice. Furthermore, patients should pay attention to a light diet and avoid spicy, stimulating, and dry-hot foods as much as possible.