Which doctor to see for the treatment of an anal thrombosis?
For the diagnosis and treatment of an anal vein thrombosis, the field of proctology is considered the ideal point of contact. Specialists in proctology are experts in disorders of the rectum, and the condition of anal vein thrombosis is part of their daily practice. General practitioners or dermatologists are often the first point of contact for diagnosis and examination of an anal vein thrombosis. If an anal vein thrombosis occurs during pregnancy, the treating gynecologist is often the primary contact.
In most cases, a visual diagnosis by a doctor is sufficient to identify the lump on the anus as an anal vein thrombosis. Additionally, the doctor often palpates the lump on the anus, a procedure called palpation. If the anal vein thrombosis has been present for a longer time and results in ongoing symptoms or very severe pain at the anus, a visit to the doctor is definitely advisable. Often, those affected confuse anal vein thromboses with hemorrhoids or other proctological diseases around the anus. Even if the anal vein thrombosis recurs, or if the perianal thrombosis does not go away, a visit for a more precise diagnosis, examinations, and timely and effective treatment of perianal vein thrombosis by a proctology specialist is definitely advisable.
The first point of contact for perianal pain or suspicion of a perianal thrombosis is often your general practitioner. In cases of very acute and severe pain, a visit to a surgical or proctological outpatient clinic or proctology specialist practice may be recommended. It is in any case sensible to consult a medical specialist to clarify the cause of the anal vein thrombosis more precisely. This allows other differential diagnoses to be excluded and possible secondary diseases or complaints in the anorectal area to be diagnosed more accurately or earlier.
When to see a doctor for anal vein thrombosis?
If you suffer from severe symptoms of anal thrombosis, it is advisable to see a doctor. A quick and appropriate treatment of anal thrombosis can of course help relieve pain at the anus, as well as anal itching or anal burning and prevent further proctological diseases as complications. Those affected who suffer from severe pain at the anus due to a perianal thrombosis should consult a proctology specialist. This also applies to all those for whom the anal vein thrombosis has not gone away for more than three weeks. If blood appears in the stool or the perianal thrombosis has burst, a prompt visit to a specialist for further clarification is also recommended. In rare cases, the anal vein thrombosis or the wound caused by the rupture can become infected and cause an anal abscess or an anal fistula. The treating doctor can support healing at the anus with the right therapy. Especially patients after rectal surgeries, such as surgery for anal vein thrombosis, can be supported by CANNEFF® SUP suppositories to promote the healing process of the tissue after surgery. Additionally, CANNEFF® SUP suppositories promote the healing of ulcers in the rectal area. Find more information here about the use and treatment of perianal thromboses with suppositories.
How is the diagnosis of an anal vein thrombosis made by the doctor?
The diagnosis of an anal vein thrombosis usually begins with a detailed conversation. In the medical history, those affected by a perianal thrombosis report sudden, severe pain at the anus and the appearance of a painful swelling at the anus. The doctor will then visually inspect the area with the lump on the anus to quickly recognize the typical bluish, hardened swelling at the anus, as this bluish coloration clearly indicates blood clotting in the veins of the anal area. By gently palpating the affected area, the doctor can determine the exact size and location of the perianal thrombosis. Depending on the severity of the symptoms of the perianal thrombosis, supportive treatment can be recommended and initiated. Even if the anal vein thrombosis does not go away, a visit to the doctor for supportive, conservative treatment is advisable. For patients who repeatedly suffer from anal vein thromboses or whose symptoms persist longer, a more in-depth examination may be necessary to exclude other underlying proctological diseases. Especially in cases of recurrent anal vein thromboses, measures to prevent perianal thromboses are also an important part of aftercare.
What examinations does the proctologist perform for an anal vein thrombosis?
A proctologist begins the examination of an anal vein thrombosis with a thorough inspection of the affected swollen area at the anus. First, the anal area is visually examined closely, as the thrombosis is usually clearly visible as a bluish, painful, and possibly already hardened swelling. By palpating the area, the doctor can determine the exact location and size of the anal vein thrombosis. To ensure that no other proctological diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, skin tags, or anal abscesses are present, the proctologist often performs a rectal digital examination. This allows for a more precise detection of changes within the rectum or deeper problems in the anal canal. In more complex cases, for example, if symptoms persist and the anal vein thrombosis does not go away or anal vein thromboses recur, further examinations of the anal canal may be conducted. If there is suspicion of more extensive tissue involvement or other complications in the anal vein thrombosis, imaging examinations such as rectal endosonography may be considered. This method uses sound waves to provide a detailed view of the deeper layers of the anal canal. This helps to distinguish perianal thromboses from other proctological diseases, such as more complex anal abscesses.
Read more here about the treatment of an anal vein thrombosis, or about the use, dosage, and treatment of perianal thromboses with suppositories.
