Anal Fissures: Relief, Healing, Comfort Await.
An anal fissure refers to a minor tear in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus, which is the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract through which stool is expelled from the body.
The major cause behind anal fissures is often constipation or the exertion of strain during bowel movements, particularly when passing hard or large stools. Symptoms typically include pain and bleeding during bowel movements, along with possible spasms in the anal sphincter, the muscular ring at the end of the anus.
While anal fissures are prevalent in infants, they can affect people of any age. In many cases, simple remedies like increasing fiber intake or taking warm-water baths can effectively alleviate anal fissures. However, some people may require medication or, in rare instances, surgical intervention for treatment.
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Symptoms
- Discomfort during bowel movements.
- Post-bowel movement pain persisted for several hours.
- Observing bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after using the bathroom.
- Detecting a visible fissure in the skin around the anus.
- Noticing a small lump or skin tag near the anal fissure.
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Causes
- Prolonged episodes of diarrhea
- Engaging in anal intercourse
- Childbirth
- Crohn's disease or another inflammatory bowel disease
- Anal cancer
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
Complications
Complications of Anal Fissures include:
Persistent Non-healing
If an anal fissure remains unresolved after eight weeks, it is deemed chronic and might necessitate additional interventions.
Likelihood of Recurrence
Having experienced an anal fissure once increases the chances of it happening again.
Extension into Surrounding Muscles
An anal fissure might stretch into the encircling muscle, known as the internal anal sphincter, responsible for closing the anus. This extension complicates the healing process, potentially initiating a cycle of discomfort. In such cases, medications or surgical procedures may be required to alleviate pain and address the fissure.
FAQ
You can seek treatment at Chord Road Hospital when experiencing symptoms like pain during bowel movements, bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, or continuous discomfort or itching in the anal area.
Our skilled surgeons accurately diagnose anal fissures by clinical examination and determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Yes, treatment for anal fissure is necessary. If left untreated for an extended period, it can also potentially lead to severe complications such as
- Rectal prolapse
- Anal cancer
- Bleeding in stool
Acute or mild fissures can be treated/healed with home remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications such as a fiber-rich diet, stool softeners, fiber supplements, or daily exercise. However, chronic, severe, or long-term anal fissure is not likely to heal without surgery.
Non-surgical treatments, like topical medications, can be highly effective in managing anal fissures. Prescription creams or ointments to the affected area help soothe discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Laser surgery is considered the best surgical treatment for anal fissure. It's an advanced daycare procedure that involves minimal to almost no pain or bleeding during the entire treatment process.
The average cost of anal fissure surgery ranges between Rs. 40,000- Rs 60,000. However, this is not the final cost of the procedure. Several factors affect the overall cost of fissure surgery.
Anal fissures may heal in a few weeks (6-12 weeks) by taking appropriate medication and by regular sitz bath. However, patients will be able to do routine activities in a few days without many symptoms.
Feeling less pain during bowel movements is a sign that anal fissure is healing. The pain will dissipate entirely, and you will be able to walk, stand, and sit without any discomfort.
If you notice blood in stools and itching in the anus with a malodorous discharge, you should consult a doctor and get your symptoms checked. Also, if a skin tag starts to form near the anal region, you should visit a specialist doctor immediately. Ignoring the signs of anal fissure or delaying the treatment can lead to severe complications.
