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About Anal Fissure
Approximately 1 in 5 people may develop an anal fissure during their lifetime. An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus that can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements.
At IMG Healthcare, anal fissures are treated by experienced surgeons using advanced and minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate. While some fissures may heal with medications and lifestyle changes, chronic or severe cases may require surgical treatment. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the severity of your condition.
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What is Anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the thin lining of the anal canal. It commonly causes pain, discomfort, and bleeding during or after bowel movements.
Anal fissures are different from anal fistulas and piles. A fissure is a tear in the skin lining of the anus, whereas an anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anal canal to the surrounding skin. Piles (hemorrhoids) are swollen veins in the anal or rectal region.
Causes of Anal Fissure
Symptoms of Anal Fissure
An anal fissure commonly develops due to trauma to the anal lining, especially while passing hard or large stools. Other possible causes include:
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Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements
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Chronic diarrhea
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Childbirth
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Obesity
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Heavy weightlifting or excessive physical strain
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Anal intercourse
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Tight anal sphincter muscles
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Inflammatory or infectious conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV, syphilis, or herpes (less common)
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Anal cancer (rare)
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Bleeding from the anal opening, especially during or after bowel movements
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Severe pain during and after passing stool, which may last for several hours
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A visible crack or tear in the skin around the anus
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A small skin tag or lump near the fissure
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Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
DIAGNOSIS
Anal fissures are usually diagnosed through a medical history review and a physical examination of the anal area.
Physical Examination :
Your doctor will gently examine the anal region to identify the fissure and determine whether it is acute or chronic.
Additional Tests :
If required, your doctor may recommend procedures such as anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy to evaluate the anal canal and rectum or to rule out other underlying conditions.
Based on the findings, treatment may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgery (fissurectomy or other appropriate procedures) in persistent or severe cases.
Risks & Complications During Anal Fissure Surgery
Anal fissure surgery is generally safe and successful. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks, including:
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Bleeding (Hemorrhage): Mild bleeding may occur during or after surgery and rarely requires additional treatment.
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Temporary Incontinence: Some patients may experience short-term difficulty controlling gas or stool, which usually improves as healing progresses.
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Perianal Abscess or Infection: Although uncommon, an infection or abscess may develop and require further treatment.
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Injury to Surrounding Tissues: Rarely, damage to the anal sphincter or nearby tissues can occur, which may affect bowel control. Experienced surgical care helps minimize this risk.
Most patients recover without major complications, especially when they follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments.
Risks & Complications if Left Untreated
If left untreated, an anal fissure can become chronic and lead to ongoing pain, bleeding, recurrent tearing, and muscle spasms. In some cases, it may increase the risk of infection or contribute to the development of an anal fistula.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing or worsening an anal fissure include:
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Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements
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Severe or persistent diarrhea
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Low-fiber diet
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Trauma or injury to the anal area
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Inflammatory conditions affecting the anal region
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Previous surgery or medical conditions that affect bowel function
How to Prevent Anal Fissure?
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Although anal fissures cannot always be prevented, the following measures may help reduce the risk:
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Drink plenty of water and eat a high-fiber diet to keep stools soft.
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Avoid straining during bowel movements and stay physically active.
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Maintain good anal hygiene by cleaning the area gently with mild soap and warm water, then keeping it dry.
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Treat constipation or diarrhea promptly to prevent irritation.
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For infants, change diapers frequently to keep the area clean and dry.
Following these healthy habits after treatment or surgery can also support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
ANAL FISSURE SPECIALISTS DOCTORS
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Surgery for Anal Fissure
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Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS)
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) is a commonly performed procedure for chronic anal fissures that do not heal with conservative treatment. It involves making a small cut in the internal anal sphincter muscle to reduce pressure, relieve pain, and promote healing.
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Laser Fissurectomy
Laser fissurectomy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser technology to treat chronic anal fissures with precision. It is associated with less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery compared with many traditional surgical approaches.