Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, care@sunmedhospital.com
Anal Fissures Treatment
Anal fissures are a common yet painful condition that can significantly impact an individual’s comfort and quality of life. These small tears in the lining of the anus often result from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or trauma.
At SunMed Hospital, we recognize the discomfort and challenges associated with anal fissures and are dedicated to providing expert care with a patient-centered approach. Our team of skilled specialists utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques and the latest treatment options to promote healing, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence.
With our commitment to compassionate and effective treatment, we strive to help patients regain comfort and improve their overall well-being.
An anal fissure is a minor split or rupture in the tissue lining the anal canal, often resulting in pain and bleeding during bowel movements. This condition is commonly caused by straining due to hard stools, prolonged diarrhea, or childbirth. Anal fissures can be classified into two types:
Acute Anal Fissures: Heal within six weeks with preservative treatments such as dietary changes and topical medications.
Chronic Anal Fissures: Persist for more than six weeks or recur frequently, often requiring advanced treatment or surgical intervention.
The most common cause of anal fissures is constipation, where hard stools stretch the anal lining, causing tears. Additional risk factors include:
Prolonged diarrhea: Frequent bowel movements can irritate and dry the skin around the anus.
Childbirth: The pressure exerted during delivery can result in fissures.
Crohn’s Disease: Inflammatory bowel diseases can weaken the anal tissue, making it prone to tears.
Common symptoms include:
Intense discomfort while passing stools: The pain can last for minutes to hours afterward.Bleeding: Mild bleeding, noticeable on stool or toilet paper.Visible tear or crack: A fissure may be noticeable around the anus.Skin tag: A small lump of tissue may form near the fissure.Our expert doctors at SunMed Hospital conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose anal fissures. This typically includes:
Physical Examination: A gentle inspection of the anal area to confirm the presence of a tear.
Digital Rectal Exam: A gloved, lubricated finger checks for tenderness or abnormalities.
Anoscopy: A hollow, lighted tube is used to get a detailed view of the anal canal.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy: In cases of chronic fissures or recurring symptoms, these tests may be recommended to rule out underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
Mild to moderate anal fissures often heal with conservative approaches, including:
High-Fiber Diet: Consuming fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to soften stools and prevent straining.
Hydration: Drinking ample water to promote smooth bowel movements.
Warm Water Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes multiple times a day to alleviate pain and support healing.
If home remedies do not provide sufficient relief, medical treatment options may include:
Topical Treatments: Certain ointments help increase blood flow to the fissure and relax the anal sphincter muscle, promoting healing.
Muscle Relaxants: These medications aid in reducing anal muscle spasms and improving circulation to the affected area.
For chronic or severe cases that do not respond to non-surgical methods, surgical intervention may be necessary:
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS): A minor surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the internal anal sphincter muscle to relieve tension, reduce spasms, and allow the fissure to heal. This can be performed using traditional surgical techniques or laser technology, typically as an outpatient procedure.
Taking preventive measures is essential to minimize the discomfort of anal fissures. Our recommendations include:
Eat a High-Fiber Diet: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.
Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Avoid Straining: Do not force bowel movements, and respond promptly to the urge to defecate.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity promotes healthy digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
Expert Team: Our experienced surgeons specialize in treating anal fissures using the latest techniques.
Advanced Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools for precise treatment.
Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and provide personalized care tailored to your needs.
Convenient Location: Strategically located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, we offer accessible and reliable healthcare services.
Fissures can often heal with proper care, including a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, taking warm baths, and using prescribed ointments to relax the anal muscles and promote healing.
Anal fissures are typically caused by trauma to the anal canal, often due to straining during bowel movements, passing hard stools, chronic diarrhea, or childbirth.
Yes, acute anal fissures can heal on their own with conservative care, such as dietary changes, hydration, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.
Living with fissures is not ideal, as they cause irritation and can worsen over time. Proper treatment is essential to prevent chronic fissures and complications.
Recurring fissures are often due to chronic constipation, diarrhea, poor dietary habits, or underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Addressing the root cause is important to stop recurrence.
At-home treatments include eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, taking warm baths, using over-the-counter creams, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.
Untreated fissures can become chronic, leading to persistent pain, recurrent bleeding, and complications like anal stenosis or infections.
Lateral internal sphincterotomy is considered the most effective surgical treatment for chronic fissures, offering high success rates with minimal complications.
Fissure surgery is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort is there after surgery and can be managed with medications.
While fissures can recur, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated, can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
