Internal Thrombosis Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoids--also commonly known as piles--occur when veins around the rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed. This condition is very common, and can occur in people of all ages and from different walks of life. Hemorrhoids come in varying degrees; the most severe form is known as internal thrombosis hemorrhoids, and are characterized by hard, painful lumps formed by blood clots. There are many treatment options for internal thrombosis hemorrhoids ranging from noninvasive home remedies to surgical procedures.

Losing Weight

• People who suffer frequently from internal thrombosis hemorrhoids and who are overweight are advised to lose weight in order to deal with the condition. Added weight puts pressure on the sensitive veins in and around the anus and rectum; this pressure can cause hemorrhoids to form. As a person gains more weight--or keeps on the extra weight he already has--internal thrombosis hemorrhoids can become more severe.

Hemorrhoid Creams, Ointments and Suppositories

• Hemorrhoid creams and ointments are often quite effective in treating external hemorrhoids. However, these creams are not effective in treating internal thrombosis hemorrhoids; instead, the use of special suppositories is the preferred method of dealing with the condition. It should be noted that such suppositories do not actually cure the problem; they only alleviate the symptoms.

Hemorrhoidectomy

• A hemorrhoidectomy is an outpatient procedure for removing internal thrombosis hemorrhoids. This procedure is usually opted for in cases where the condition keeps recurring, or when it is very severe. A physician incises the tissue around the hemorrhoid, and ties off the vein that is causing the thrombosis hemorrhoid. As a result, the hemorrhoid shrivels away. Because it recurs in the same spot only approximately 5 percent of the time, this procedure is considered to be very effective. The procedure itself takes only a couple of hours; risks are minor and include infection, narrowing of the anus and wounds that won't heal. The patient may be put under general anesthesia or numbed from the waist down.

Sclerotherapy

• When an internal thrombosis hemorrhoid is quite severe, or when it bleeds, a procedure called sclerotherapy is often undertaken. Also known as injection therapy, sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized solution into the offending hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids. The solution, called a sclerosant, hardens the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink away. Some of the most common risks associated with sclerotherapy include burning if the injection is done too close to the anus, an allergic reaction to the sclerosant, open wounds or infections. During the procedure--which is performed on an outpatient basis and takes 2 to 3 hours--patients are typically put under local anesthesia or the area is locally numbed.

Rubber Band Ligation

• For milder forms of internal thrombosis hemorrhoids, a procedure known as rubber band ligation is often used. This involves tying small rubber bands around the base of an offending hemorrhoid. Within 7 to 10 days, the hemorrhoid shrivels away and scar tissue is formed. This usually prevents another hemorrhoid from occurring at the same site, and is therefore thought to be a fairly effective procedure. Rubber band ligation requires a brief doctor's visit and a local anesthetic is sometimes used to numb the affected area. Risks associated with rubber band ligation include severe pain due to bands that have been placed too close to the anus, bleeding, infection or an inability to pass urine.