What color is a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on March 31, 2025
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If internal hemorrhoids prolapse, it indicates that the hemorrhoidal venous plexus is severely varicose and congested, and the anal cushion has pathologically enlarged and descended, leading to the prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids. The color of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids at the anal opening commonly appears as purple lumps or swellings. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot retract back into the anus, even with manual assistance, this condition may lead to necrosis of the internal hemorrhoids. If necrosis occurs and results in localized thrombosis, the hemorrhoids may turn black. In such cases, prompt surgical treatment is required to prevent necrosis and worsening infection of the hemorrhoids. Surgical options include internal hemorrhoid ligation, PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids), or TST (transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization), as well as the traditional excision and ligation. Postoperatively, consistent wound dressing changes are necessary to promote healing.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids cause a sensation of falling and swelling in the anus?

Internal hemorrhoids can cause a sensation of fullness or swelling in the anus. Although the main clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are bleeding and prolapse of the hemorrhoidal nodes outside the anus, any stage of internal hemorrhoids can exhibit varying degrees of this sensation. Early to middle stages of internal hemorrhoids typically involve less severe swelling, while in the later stages, when the hemorrhoidal nodes prolapse, the sensation can be significantly more intense, especially after prolonged standing or physical exertion.

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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.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 8sec home-news-image

What color is a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid?

If internal hemorrhoids prolapse, it indicates that the hemorrhoidal venous plexus is severely varicose and congested, and the anal cushion has pathologically enlarged and descended, leading to the prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids. The color of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids at the anal opening commonly appears as purple lumps or swellings. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot retract back into the anus, even with manual assistance, this condition may lead to necrosis of the internal hemorrhoids. If necrosis occurs and results in localized thrombosis, the hemorrhoids may turn black. In such cases, prompt surgical treatment is required to prevent necrosis and worsening infection of the hemorrhoids. Surgical options include internal hemorrhoid ligation, PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids), or TST (transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization), as well as the traditional excision and ligation. Postoperatively, consistent wound dressing changes are necessary to promote healing.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
38sec home-news-image

What should I do if the internal hemorrhoids bleeding is very severe?

Internal hemorrhoids bleeding, also known as rectal bleeding, is the main clinical manifestation in patients with internal hemorrhoids. In clinical practice, we often see a minority of patients with internal hemorrhoids experiencing long-term chronic bleeding, which can lead to severe anemia. In our clinical practice, the normal hemoglobin level in adults is 120g/L, but some patients are found to have hemoglobin levels of 30-40g/L upon consultation, indicating severe anemia. Therefore, these patients need to receive blood transfusions first, followed by surgical treatment.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids lead to anemia?

Internal hemorrhoids bleeding easily leads to anemia in patients, especially when internal hemorrhoids bleed frequently and recurrently, or each bleeding episode is relatively severe, potentially causing a trend of decreased blood volume in patients. When blood volume reaches a certain threshold, symptoms of anemia can appear. If the anemia is assessed as mild or moderate, besides using local hemostatic hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, patients can also take oral traditional Chinese medicine that supplements qi and generates blood for symptomatic treatment, to enhance body immunity and physical constitution. If anemia primarily presents as severe, to avoid further exacerbation of anemia or impairment of overall organ functions, it is recommended that patients undergo surgical ligation for hemostasis and, if necessary, blood transfusion. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)