A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is a blood clot in the external venous plexus of the anus. It causes sudden, severe pain and a hard, palpable lump near the anus. It is one of the most painful proctological conditions, but it is also readily treatable. A short procedure involving an incision and removal of the clot under local anaesthesia usually provides relief on the same day.
Reception: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street. Price: Needs Data — call us or ask when booking.
| Symptoms | sudden severe pain, a hard lump, swelling |
| Treatment | surgical treatment involving incision and clot removal, or conservative treatment |
| Anaesthesia | local |
| Procedure time | several to a dozen minutes |
| After the procedure | usually rapid pain relief and return home the same day |
| Price | FROM PLN 1,200 |
A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is a blood clot that forms inside the veins of the external haemorrhoidal plexus, immediately next to the anal opening. It causes sudden, severe pain that frequently develops after physical exertion, coughing, constipation or prolonged sitting. A hard and tender lump can be felt near the anus and is often visibly swollen. A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is not dangerous, but the pain can be intense and requires assessment by a proctologist to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the appropriate treatment.
Treatment may be conservative or surgical. The doctor decides on the appropriate method after examining the patient.
Conservative treatment, including pain medication, ointments, warm baths and dietary measures, may be appropriate for small clots and milder symptoms. The clot is gradually absorbed by the body, but pain may persist for several weeks before improvement occurs.
Surgical treatment — a short procedure involving an incision and removal of the clot under local anaesthesia — may be considered in cases of severe pain, a large clot or a lack of improvement with conservative treatment. The procedure is short and performed on an outpatient basis. Pain usually decreases rapidly after removal of the clot. The doctor determines which method is appropriate in each individual case.
A thrombosed external haemorrhoid may be confused with an exacerbation of haemorrhoidal disease, but the two conditions require different management. Haemorrhoids are chronically enlarged vascular cushions located inside or outside the anus. Their treatment ranges from conservative methods to procedures such as rubber-band ligation or surgery. A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is an acute, episodic complication involving a blood clot in an external vein. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, a proctologist will assess them during an examination and recommend the appropriate treatment.
A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is painful but generally does not pose a health risk. However, some symptoms may indicate another, more serious condition requiring faster intervention.
Fever accompanied by pain and swelling around the anus may indicate a perianal abscess, which requires urgent incision and drainage. Do not wait for a routine appointment if this symptom occurs. A simple thrombosed external haemorrhoid without fever is painful, but it is not an emergency to the same extent.
A proctologist and surgeon providing diagnostic assessment and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the anus and rectum.
A proctologist and surgeon experienced in the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids, thrombosed external haemorrhoids and anal fistulas.
A surgeon whose practice includes proctology and procedures involving the anus and rectum, including the treatment of acute proctological conditions.
Sara Godyńska, MD · Justyna Szul, MD · Kamil Smok, MD
Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street · Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Yes. The incision and removal of the clot are performed under local anaesthesia, which significantly reduces discomfort during the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the pain is usually noticeably milder than it was before treatment. Some patients experience relief on the same day.
Removing the clot is usually the most effective way to reduce pain quickly, and relief often occurs on the same day. With conservative treatment alone, pain may persist for several weeks until the clot is gradually absorbed. The exact course depends on the size of the clot and the patient’s individual response.
The procedure takes several to a dozen minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, without hospitalisation. The patient returns home on the same day. Careful hygiene around the anus and a gentle diet are recommended for several days after the procedure. The doctor provides detailed post-procedure instructions.
Not always. Small clots causing milder pain may be treated conservatively with pain medication, ointments and changes in daily habits. A procedure may be recommended in cases of severe pain, a large clot or a lack of improvement with conservative treatment. The decision is made by the proctologist after an examination.
A thrombosed external haemorrhoid is very painful but usually does not pose a health risk and does not require hospitalisation. However, any new rectal bleeding or lump in this area should be assessed by a proctologist to exclude other causes. If fever or rapidly increasing swelling occurs, contact a doctor urgently, as these symptoms may indicate an abscess.
Chronic haemorrhoidal disease — treatment ranging from conservative methods to procedures.
Details →An acute inflammatory condition with fever — must be differentiated from a thrombosed external haemorrhoid.
Details →Examination, diagnosis and assessment for treatment.
Details →A diagnostic endoscopic examination of the anus and anal canal.
Details →Sara Godyńska, MD · Justyna Szul, MD · Kamil Smok, MD
Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street · Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · tel. +48 600 006 913
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A thrombosed external haemorrhoid requires assessment by a proctologist. The doctor selects the appropriate treatment method after an examination. Fever, increasing pain and swelling around the anus may indicate an abscess and require more urgent medical assistance. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: +48 600 006 913.
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