A thrombosed external haemorrhoid, also known as perianal thrombosis, is a blood clot in the external venous plexus around the anus. It is one of the most painful proctological conditions, but it can also be treated very quickly. Appropriate treatment can often provide relief on the same day.
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| Symptoms | sudden severe pain, a hard lump and swelling |
| Treatment | a procedure involving incision and clot removal, or conservative treatment |
| Anaesthesia | local anaesthesia |
| Procedure duration | several minutes, usually no more than 15 minutes, with discharge home on the same day |
| Effect | immediate reduction in pain |
Conservative treatment with painkillers and ointments is possible, but the pain may then persist for several weeks. The most effective treatment is a brief procedure involving an incision and removal of the blood clot, which provides immediate relief.
The procedure should be considered in cases of severe pain, a large clot or no improvement following conservative treatment. The doctor makes the decision after an examination, supplemented when necessary by anoscopy.
A thrombosed external haemorrhoid may be confused with internal haemorrhoidal disease, but it requires a different approach to treatment. When you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms, you can also read about haemorrhoid treatment or book a proctology consultation.
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. After the incision and removal of the clot, the pain usually subsides quickly and the patient experiences noticeable relief almost immediately.
Removing the clot provides an immediate reduction in pain, and relief is often experienced on the same day. With conservative treatment alone, the pain may persist for several weeks.
The procedure is brief, taking from several minutes to approximately 15 minutes, and is performed under local anaesthesia. The patient returns home on the same day without the need for hospitalisation.
Not always. However, prompt procedural treatment is usually the most effective option in cases of severe pain, a large clot or no improvement following conservative treatment. The decision is made by the doctor after an examination.
It is a very painful condition, but it is usually straightforward to treat. However, any rectal bleeding or newly developed lump around the anus should be assessed by a proctologist to exclude other possible causes.
Severe pain and a hard lump around the anus? The sooner you seek treatment, the better.
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