Incision of External Hemorrhoids

Surgery Overview

When an external hemorrhoid near the opening of the anus is swollen with a blood clot (thrombosed), a doctor may relieve your pain by removing the clot. The doctor will use a medicine to numb the anal area. Then the doctor will make a small incision to drain the hemorrhoid.

This will probably give you immediate and long-lasting relief from the pain.

You will be given instructions on how to take care of the area.

• You can sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day.
• Your doctor may give you a numbing medicine to help relieve pain. The wound should heal in about a week.
• You can use baby wipes or medicated pads, such as Tucks, instead of toilet paper after a bowel movement. These products do not irritate the anus.

If your doctor doesn't remove the clot within 3 to 4 days after it forms, the pain will gradually get less over the next few days. The hemorrhoid may break open on its own, causing mild bleeding. With home treatment, pain and bleeding should go away in about a week. But it may take longer for the clot to go away.