What Are the Consequences and Hazards of Hemorrhoids and Rectal Prolapse?
May 16, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
Introduction
Prolapse and rectal prolapse associated with hemorrhoids can lead to the following complications, thereby endangering patient health:
**Prolapse**: In cases of hemorrhoidal prolapse, internal and mixed hemorrhoids may worsen. As the hemorrhoidal nodules enlarge, they may protrude outside the anus during defecation. In milder cases, the prolapsed tissue may spontaneously reduce (return) into the anal canal after defecation; however, in advanced disease, the prolapsed nodules remain outside the anus and fail to reduce spontaneously.
Prolapse (protrusion) of hemorrhoids—commonly referred to as “rectal prolapse due to hemorrhoids”—indicates a severe stage of hemorrhoidal disease, and surgical intervention is generally recommended. What complications and risks does hemorrhoidal prolapse entail?
Complications and Risks Associated with Hemorrhoidal Prolapse
Hemorrhoidal prolapse may lead to the following complications, thereby endangering patient health:
- Prolapse: In cases of internal or mixed hemorrhoids, prolapse can worsen the condition. As the hemorrhoidal tissue enlarges, it protrudes beyond the anal verge during defecation. In milder cases, the prolapsed tissue may spontaneously reduce (retract) after bowel movements. However, in advanced stages, manual reduction—or even external assistance—is required. If reduction is delayed or performed repeatedly, friction-induced trauma to the prolapsed tissue may cause pain or infection.
- Anal pain and rectal bleeding: The prolapsed hemorrhoidal tissue may abrade the rectal mucosa and the anoderm (including the dentate line), potentially causing local fissures and subsequent bleeding.
- Perianal abscess and anal fistula: Untreated or recurrent hemorrhoidal prolapse may induce perianal congestion, edema, and eventually abscess formation. Chronic inflammation and infection may further progress to anal fistula.
- Colorectal cancer: Persistent hemorrhoidal prolapse may irritate the rectum and contribute to perianal abscess and fistula development. An anal fistula, in turn, exacerbates chronic rectal irritation and inflammation. If left untreated over a prolonged period, such chronic inflammation may predispose to malignant transformation, ultimately increasing the risk of rectal cancer.
Hemorrhoidal prolapse—also termed “prolapsed hemorrhoids”—often coexists with internal hemorrhoidal prolapse. These two conditions may mutually exacerbate one another, leading to progressive disease deterioration. Patients are strongly advised to recognize the seriousness of this condition and seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. We hope this information has been helpful to you!
