Perianal hematoma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A perianal hematoma, identified by the typical blue tinge under the skin (to the left in the above image)

A Perianal hematoma is a type of hematoma located in, or on the border of the anus.^[1] It can be misdiagnosed as a haemorrhoid, but is sometimes referred to as an external haemorrhoid.^[2]

1 Causes
2 Symptoms
3 Management
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Causes

Perianal hematoma are caused by the rupture of a small vein that drains blood from the anus.^[3] This rupture may be caused by heavy lifting, coughing, or straining. Once the rupture has formed, blood quickly pools within a few hours and, if left untreated, forms a clot.

[edit] Symptoms

A burst Perianal Blood Vessel causes an Perianal Hematoma, or "external haemorrhoid" as pictured in blue in the above image.

The symptoms of a perianal hematoma can present over a short period of time. Pain, varying from mild to severe,^[4] will occur as the skin surrounding the rupture expands due to pressure. This pain will usually last even after the blood has clotted, and may continue for two to four days.

[edit] Management

If diagnosed within the first few hours of presentation, the pooling blood may be evacuated using a syringe. Once the blood has clotted, removal by this method is no longer possible, and the clot can be removed via a simple incision over the lump under local anaesthetic. The incision is not stitched, but will heal very well. Care needs to be taken in regard to bleeding from the wound.

If left untreated, the clot will dissolve back into the bloodstream and the hematoma with disappear. A skin tag^[1] may remain where the hematoma was, which may cause annoyance and irritation.