Mixed Hemorrhoids
Mixed Hemorrhoids
Mixed Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Mixed hemorrhoid is a
combination of both internal and external hemorrhoids which means that its location is inside the rectum and under
the skin around the anus.
Causes
Hemorrhoids are more likely as you get older because the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and
stretch with aging.
Pathophysiology
The veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Swollen veins (hemorrhoids) can develop
from an increase in pressure in the lower rectum.
Hemorrhoids develop when the supporting tissues of the anal cushions disintegrate or deteriorate. There is
an occurrence of downward displacement of the anal cushions causing venous dilatation.
There are typically three major anal cushions, located in the right anterior, right posterior and left lateral aspect
of the anal canal, and various numbers of minor cushions lying between themThe anal cushions of patients with
hemorrhoids show significant pathological changes. These changes include abnormal venous dilatation, vascular
thrombosis, degenerative process in the collagen fibers and fibroelastic tissues, distortion and rupture of the
anal subepithelial muscle. In addition to the above findings, a severe inflammatory reaction involving the
vascular wall and surrounding connective tissue has been demonstrated in hemorrhoidal specimens, with
associated mucosal ulceration, ischemia and thrombosis.
Anemia. Chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, in which you don't have enough
healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your cells. This may result in fatigue and weakness.
Strangulated hemorrhoid. If blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, the hemorrhoid may be
"strangulated," which can cause extreme pain and lead to tissue death (gangrene).
excessive bleeding
infection
faecal incontinence, where you lose voluntary control over your bowel movements this
is is rare, and can sometimes be corrected with another operation
anal fistula, which is a small channel that develops between the inside of the anus and
the surface of the skin near the anus.
Examination of your anal canal and rectum for abnormalities. During a DIGITAL RECTAL EXAM, your
doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. He or she feels for anything unusual, such as
growths. The exam can give your doctor an indication of what further testing might be appropriate.
Visual inspection of your anal canal and rectum. Because internal hemorrhoids are often too soft to be
felt during a rectal examination, your doctor may also examine the lower portion of your colon and
rectum with an anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope. These are scopes that allow your doctor to
see into your anus and rectum.
Digital rectal examination, where your doctor puts on gloves and places a lubricated
finger inside the back passage to gently feel for any abnormalities. This is likely to be
uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
Proctoscopy, where your doctor examines the inside of the rectum using a proctoscope
(a hollow tube with a tiny light at the end) to look for any swelling or other symptoms.
Again, this may be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
Your doctor may want to do a more extensive examination of your entire colon using colonoscopy. This
might be recommended if:
Your signs and symptoms suggest you might have another digestive system disease
You have risk factors for colorectal cancer
You're older than age 50 and haven't had a recent colonoscopy
Treatment
MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES
If a blood clot has formed within an external hemorrhoid, your doctor can remove the clot with a simple
incision, which may provide prompt relief.
For persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend another minimally invasive
procedure. These treatments can be done in your doctor's office or other outpatient setting.
Rubber band ligation. Your doctor places one or two tiny rubber bands around the base of an
internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation. The hemorrhoid withers and falls off within a week.
This procedure called rubber band ligation is effective for many people.
Hemorrhoid banding can be uncomfortable and may cause bleeding, which might begin two to four
days after the procedure but is rarely severe.
Injection (sclerotherapy). In this procedure, your doctor injects a chemical solution into the
hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. While the injection causes little or no pain, it may be less effective
than rubber band ligation.
Coagulation (infrared, laser or bipolar). Coagulation techniques use laser or infrared light or heat.
They cause small, bleeding, internal hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel.
While coagulation has few side effects, it's associated with a higher rate of hemorrhoids coming back
(recurrence) than is the rubber band treatment.
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
If other procedures haven't been successful or you have large hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend a
surgical procedure. Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis or you may need to stay in the hospital
overnight.
Hemorrhoid removal. During a hemorrhoidectomy, your surgeon removes excessive tissue that causes
bleeding. Various techniques may be used. The surgery may be done with a local anesthetic combined
with sedation, a spinal anesthetic or a general anesthetic.
Hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective and complete way to treat severe or recurring hemorrhoids.
Complications may include temporary difficulty emptying your bladder and urinary tract infections associated with
this problem.
Most people experience some pain after the procedure. Medications can relieve your pain. Soaking in a
warm bath also may help.
Compared with hemorrhoidectomy, however, stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence
and rectal prolapse, in which part of the rectum protrudes from the anus. Talk with your doctor about what might be
the best option for you.
You can often relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids with home treatments. Often
these are the only treatments needed.
With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. See your doctor if you don't get
relief in a week, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.
Nursing Management
Administer local anesthetic as prescribed.
As needed, provide warm sitz baths or cold compresses to reduce local pain, swelling, and information.
Provide the patient with high fiber diet and encourage adequate fluid intake and exercise to prevent
constipation.
Monitor the patients pain level and the effectiveness of the prescribed medications.
Check for signs and symptoms of anal infection, such as increases pain and foul smelling anal drainage.
Teach the patient about hemorrhoidal development, predisposing factors, and tests.
Encourage the patient to eat high fiber diet to promote regular bowel movement.
Emphasize the need for good anal hygiene. Caution against vigorous wiping with washcloths and using
harsh soaps.
Encourage the use of medicated astringent pads and toilet paper without dyes or perfumes.