Diagnostics
The standard examination of haemorrhoids is the digital-rectal examination, in which the doctor palpates the anal canal with his finger. A proctoscopy is necessary to see the hemorrhoids. In contrast to colonoscopy, no prior bowel cleansing is necessary. Even in cases of known haemorrhoidal disease, a complete colonoscopy must always be performed to rule out intestinal tumours and other higher-lying bleeding sources. An advanced stage haemorrhoidal disease may already be visible by an external inspection, as the haemorrhoids are bulging out of the anus.
Course of disease
Those affected often notice an itching in the anal region as the first symptom. Later, pain and blood in the stool are added. This is often accompanied by the feeling of not being able to completely defecate.
In this first stage it is a matter of internal haemorrhoids. In the second stage, the hemorrhoids are pressed out of the anus and then move back into the anus. Hemorrhoids that are permanently outside and can only be pushed back with the fingers belong to the third stage. In the fourth stage, the hemorrhoids can no longer be pushed away. The degree determines the method of treatment.
Duration
The duration and prognosis depend strongly on the stage of hemorrhoids and the chosen treatment method. With conservative therapy, the treatment lasts relatively long, but the side effects are less severe. With outpatient procedures and operations, the effect is felt immediately after the procedure. The relapse rate is the lowest with the classic operation. After pregnancies, haemorrhoids can also regress completely on their own after some time.
How long do you have blood in your stool after a hemorrhoid operation?
After a hemorrhoid operation, post-operative bleeding may continue for some time. This depends on the original extent of the haemorrhoids, the surgical technique and the individual healing time. Due to hard stool, surgical wounds can reopen.
With normal healing, no blood should be visible in the stool after a few days. If there is still blood in the stool after a longer period, the possible sources of bleeding should be looked for again. The surgical wound can be spared by regulating the stool with medication.
Blood in stool during pregnancy
A pregnancy is an exceptional situation for the body. The increased pressure in the abdominal area can lead to a hemorrhoidal disease or cause existing hemorrhoids to tear open. Many women suffer from haemorrhoids after the birth of the child at the latest, as the pressure caused by pressing is high.
The pregnancy hormones can also weaken the tissue and thus cause hemorrhoids. Women can prevent the development by avoiding constipation and treating with ointments if the symptoms are mild. Haemorrhoids can recede after pregnancy.
