Anal hematoma is a condition in the anal region that suddenly appears, causing severe pain for the individual. It involves the accumulation of blood clots in the anus.
What Causes the Accumulation of Blood Clots in the Anus?
The primary cause behind most diseases emerging in the anal region is constipation. Individuals with constipation issues, when straining during bowel movements, may develop diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and hematomas. Although anal hematoma can cause intense pain, it is considered one of the most benign anal diseases. Despite the apparent severity of its symptoms, it is a disease that can be treated in the simplest way.
Individuals with constipation feel the need to strain during bowel movements, and when this becomes a habit, diseases like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and hematomas may develop due to intense straining. Anal hematoma, which causes very severe pain, can be considered the most innocent anal disease. Although its symptoms may seem excessive, it is a disease that can be treated in the simplest way.
When a person with constipation strains during bowel movements, pressure is exerted on the anus. Unfortunately, this pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the anus. As a result, when a blood vessel cracks or tears, blood leaks into the soft tissue between the vessel and the skin. The size of the resulting blood clot can vary depending on the amount of leaked blood. While a hematoma can sometimes be the size of a chickpea, it can rarely reach the size of an apple.
What Are the Symptoms?
When an anal hematoma occurs, many people directly assume it is hemorrhoids, as it is a problem in the anal region. Individuals may experience intense pain while sitting, walking, or performing similar daily activities. As mentioned at the beginning of our article, anal hematoma is a condition that occurs suddenly, not gradually with symptoms.
However, listing the signs and symptoms:
- Sudden onset of severe anal pain
- Swelling and tenderness in the anal region
- Discoloration or bruising around the anus
- Difficulty in sitting or walking comfortably
- The sensation of a lump or mass in the anal area
If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Anal Pain
In addition to the sudden appearance of swelling, there can be variations in the size and intensity of the pain associated with the swelling. The patient’s quality of life may decline due to these pains.
Bleeding
If there is any opening in the skin around the location where the clot forms, dark-colored and clot-like bleeding can occur.
How to Treat Anal Hematoma?
It is a condition that can be managed with methods applied at home, but since this process may take a long time, the patient may experience high discomfort due to pain. The methods you can apply at home are as follows:
Warm Water Sitz Bath
A warm water sitz bath, commonly used for various anal diseases, is a technique that greatly helps the patient relax. Fill a large basin with lukewarm water that you can sit in without being too hot and sit in it. This process is harmless, and you can repeat it at least 4-5 times daily.
Surgical Methods for Anal Hematoma Treatment
If it has been about 48 hours since the formation of the blood clot in the anus, and you are experiencing severe pain, you can opt for surgical treatments that can be applied within 2-3 minutes. This procedure relies on draining the clot through a very small incision performed under local anesthesia. Since the incision is very small, there is no need for stitches. As soon as the clot is drained, the patient feels significant relief. After the treatment, the patient can continue with their daily activities without interruption.
Which Doctor to Consult for Anal Hematoma Treatment?
Since it is a discomfort occurring in the anal region, general surgical specialists are involved in the treatment. If you consult a general surgical specialist experienced in proctology, they can diagnose and treat the discomfort in a practical way within minutes.
