About this disease
What it is about
Anal vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the veins in the anal area. It is one of the most common acute changes in the anus. In common parlance, the term acute or external hemorrhoid is used. Usually the cause is irritation of the anus, for example, due to pressing during constipation, diarrhea or intensive cleaning. Anal vein thrombosis also occurs frequently in the course of pregnancy and childbirth. The thromboses are harmless and disappear after two weeks. However, a skin flap - a so-called mariske - often remains.
Symptoms and consequences
Anal vein thromboses are sudden, palpable spherical swellings at the anus that can lead to considerable pain. Abrupt bleeding is also typical, which can occur due to perforation of the swelling.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
During the proctological examination, the skin around the anus is closely inspected, and anal vein thrombosis can be seen immediately. Further examinations of the anal area are not performed because of the pain. The complete proctological examination usually takes place after four to six weeks.
Treatment
If the patient presents to a proctologist within a few days of the onset of anal venous thrombosis, the small blood clot can be removed under local anesthesia. This leads to sudden pain relief. There are no risks or complications and the patient can return to work immediately. If the thrombosis has been present for some time, pain-relieving medication and ointments will be prescribed, as it is no longer possible to remove it. The thrombosis is then reabsorbed within one to two weeks.