Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid

Research shows that over half of the American population will experience hemorrhoids at one time or another in their life. A low fiber diet coupled with very little exercise can certainly lead to a number of health problems including hemorrhoids.

If the hemorrhoid forms inside the rectal canal, and protrudes out through the anal opening, it is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. If the hemorrhoid forms under the skin, but outside the anus, it is called an external hemorrhoid. If this a clot (thrombus) forms in this external hemorrhoid when blood pools in it and this type of condition is called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

Why do we get hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can occur at any time in our lives. However, as we get older, we may be prone to getting them as our veins and muscles weaken over time. Also women who have gone through pregnancies may develop a tendency to get hemorrhoids as the veins in their lower abdomen have experienced a lot of stress. People who are overweight or obese also put a lot of stress on their bodies which leads to problems in the veins on the lower half of the body.

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How are Hemorrhoids treated?

Sometimes this condition may go away on its own. You may also try to ease the pain by using hot baths and painkillers. The baths are soothing and help reduce the pain. Ointments on the hemorrhoids may numb it and reduce pain too.

Treatment options for thrombosed external hemorrhoid include drainage of the hemorrhoid or a removal or cauterization of the hemorrhoid which is called a hemorrhoidectomy.

How do we drain a thrombosed external hemorrhoid?

In this condition, the hemorrhoid is almost outside of the anus and while it makes it difficult to sit on a chair, it almost always is painful. Unlike other types of hemorrhoids, this one is very difficult to remove with diet and other remedies for hemorrhoids. Sometimes we may need to get rid of it at the doctor’s office by draining the blood out of the clot. Never do this by yourself.

What is a hemorrhoidectomy?

This is a surgery in which the doctors remove the hemorrhoid. You may be under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to make the surgery painless. The surgery is usually done using a laser, or the old fashioned way, using a knife, depending on the position of the hemorrhoid. Sometimes the doctors may perform the surgery using newer and more effective surgical techniques.

What can I expect after the surgery?

For some time, you may have difficulty urinating because of the swelling and anesthesia as a result of the surgery. After the surgery, you may have a lot of pain when trying to pass a stool the first few times. So it is very important that you follow the diet that is given to you.

If you still have pain during bowel movement for the first week or so, you may use pain killers. It is important that you do have normal bowel movements and also seriously change to a better diet and exercise program so that the thrombosed external hemorrhoid will not resurface again.

To remedy the post surgery pain, you may also use ice packs or sit in warm water sitz baths for comfort. It is also important to use a doctor prescribed anti-biotic after surgery. To avoid straining, you may also be asked to take stool softeners. A follow up with the doctor in a few weeks may allow you to find out if the surgery was successful.