Thrombosed hemorrhoid treatment
Hemorrhoids occur naturally in the anal canal; put simply, they help with stool control. They are composed of arteries, veins, and connective tissue that help cushion the passage of stools. When they become swollen or inflamed, they become pathological, and typically at this point are referred to as piles (but can still be called hemorrhoids). Pathological hemorrhoids can be caused by multiple things: constipation, diarrhea, exercise, low fiber diet, straining while trying to pass a bowel movement, pregnancy, genetics, and aging. There are two types of pathological hemorrhoids, external and internal. The severity will vary in each, as well as the symptoms and the treatment.
Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are situated inside the rectum. They are usually not painful, and because of this, many people aren’t even aware that they have one. On the other hand, if they become irritated, they can bleed. If internal hemorrhoids are not treated, sometimes they can advance into prolapsed hemorrhoids, extending outside of the rectum.
External hemorrhoids are situated outside of the rectum. They can be painful and are usually accompanied by swelling, irritation, and possibly itching. With an external hemorrhoid, it is possible that the veins will rupture, or a blood clot will form, causing thrombosis. The hemorrhoid would now be called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Treatment for a Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
The typical treatment for a thrombosed hemorrhoid is surgery. There are different types of surgery for this. All of the different types can be done at a doctor’s office or on an outpatient basis. There are a few other non-surgical options that will also be discussed below. The treatment that you choose will depend on how uncomfortable you are with the hemorrhoid, your financial situation, and on the advice of your doctor. It may not be plausible for you to have surgery, and you might want to try the alternative methods first. Others wish to jump straight to surgery. Sometimes insurance companies will cover a surgery for a thrombosed hemorrhoid, but this is something that you will have to check on.
Rubber band ligation: this is a procedure in which an elastic rubber band will be applied to the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply. This causes it to fall off within a few days, with normal bowel movements.
- Sclerotherapy: in this procedure, an injection called a sclerosing agent will be administered into the hemorrhoid; it causes the vein walls to collapse and the hemorrhoid to shrivel.
- Cautery: electric, laser, and infrared cautery are the three types commonly used. The procedure basically burns off the hemorrhoid, but with different types of energy.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: this technique is only used in severe causes. It is a surgical excision of the hemorrhoid, with a lot of pain afterward, and 2-4 weeks of recovery time.
- Stapled hemorrhoidectomy: this procedure is associated with less pain than a hemorrhoidectomy. An excision is made with a circular staple device to remove a strip of mucosa from the anal canal. The end result is that the hemorrhoids will return to their normal positions.
Alternative treatments: besides surgery, there are a few remedies that an individual can try to get rid of hemorrhoids, whether they are thrombosed or not. Try soaking in a warm bath for about 20 minutes or try a cream; both of these will alleviate pain. Making dietary changes, specifically adding more fiber into your daily eating, will help relieve constipation and soften the stools. There are also herbal remedies, but always discuss these with your doctor before using them. Try wearing loose clothing because tight clothes can add to the irritation and pain that you’re probably experiencing.
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