An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal. It can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements.
There are two types of anal fissures: acute anal fissure and chronic anal fissure:
Acute Anal fissures are typically caused by trauma to the anal canal, such as passing a large bowel movement. It can be treated with some ointments, medications and home remedies within a few weeks.
Chronic Anal fissuresare tears that persist for more than six weeks. They are often associated with underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or sexually transmitted infections. Chronic fissures are better treated with surgery.
Treatment options for anal fissures include dietary changes, topical medications, and surgery i.e. lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) in severe cases.
To diagnose an anal fissure, your doctor will typically begin by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination to check for any visible signs of a fissure, such as a small tear or crack in the skin around the anus.
In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a more detailed examination, such as an anoscopy, to get a closer look at the affected area.
During an anoscopy, a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum to allow the doctor to examine the anus and rectum in more detail. This is an outpatient procedure and is performed in the doctor's clinic.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as a stool sample or blood tests, to check other possible causes of your symptoms. Once the diagnosis of the anal fissure has been confirmed, the doctor may suggest the best suitable treatment plan, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery.
Treatment options for anal fissures vary depending on the severity of the fissure. There are two types of treatment methods for anal fissures, surgical or non-surgical.
Non-surgical approaches include dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake and drinking more fluids to soften stools and reduce the need to strain during bowel movements. Topical medications, such as nitroglycerin ointment, can also help relax the anal sphincter and promote healing.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Procedures such as lateral internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy can help to relieve symptoms by reducing pressure on the anal sphincter and promoting healing. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for individual cases.
There are two surgical approaches for anal fissure surgery.
Open surgery for anal fissures is the traditional method to treat fissures. The following steps are involved in open surgery for anal fissure:
Laser-assisted surgery is the most effective treatment for chronic fissures.
The following steps are carried out during the procedure:
Laser anal fissure surgery is usually suggested for individuals in which conservative measures, such as dietary changes, stool softeners, and topical medications, have stopped working.
Here are some benefits of laser anal fissure surgery -