Fissure Treatment
Simplified Surgeries for Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus.
Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of your anus (anal sphincter).
Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age. Most anal fissures get better with simple treatments, such as increased fiber intake or sitz baths. Some people with anal fissures may need medication or, occasionally, surgery.
Risk Factors for Anal Fissure
- Constipation. Straining during bowel movements and passing hard stools increase the risk of tearing.
- Childbirth. Anal fissures are more common in women after they give birth.
- Crohn's disease. This inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, which may make the lining of the anal canal more vulnerable to tearing.
- Anal intercourse.
- Age. Anal fissures can occur at any age but are more common in infants and middle-aged adults.
Causes
Lifting heavy weights
Tight anal sphincter
Passing large or hard stools frequently
Decreased blood flow to the anal region
Straining too much while bowel movement
Symptoms
Anal Bleeding
Rectal Pain
Itchiness
Cracked skin
Small lump or skin tag
Diagnosis
✓ An anoscopy is a procedure in which a special instrument is used to see inside your anus and rectum.
✓ Your physician may also order an ultrasound or MRI of the anal area to get a better view of the fistula tract.
✓ Sometimes your surgeon will need to examine you in the operating room (exam under anesthesia) to diagnose the fistula.
Surgery
