Anal Fissures Treatment & Surgery

Anal Fissures Treatment & Surgery in Chembur, Mumbai

A small tear in the anus lining can cause fissures. During bowel motions, an anal fissure can cause sharp pain and bleeding. The condition heals on its own in four to six weeks. Damage to the lining of the anus is a common cause, and surgeons believe it results from chronic idiopathic constipation (unknown cause). Proper hydration may help prevent anal fissures. Prevalent treatments include dietary fiber and stool softeners and creams to be applied to the affected area.

What are anal fissures?

An anal fissure is a small but painful split or tears in the lower area of the rectum. Hemorrhoids can be mistaken for anal fissures. An anal fissure is not a life-threatening condition. Stool softeners and topical pain medications are viable treatments that can aid in healing and easing discomfort. Sometimes, surgery can be inevitable if anal fissures do not heal after these treatments. Other underlying illnesses that can cause anal fissures may require your doctor's attention. 

What are the symptoms?

• A noticeable tear in the skin around your anorectal area
• Severe pain in the anal area during bowel motions because of a skin tag or small lump of skin near the tear
• During or after a bowel movement, there is bright red bleeding
• During and after a bowel movement, you may experience pain
• In the anal area, there is a burning or itching sensation

What causes anal fissures?

Fissure forms when your anal mucosa gets stretched beyond its natural capacity. Severe constipation causes hard stools, which can lead to this condition. When a tear occurs, it leads to more harm. Below the wound is the exposed internal sphincter muscle that can suffer spasms. This situation is quite painful. The spasm pulls the fissure edges apart, making repairs more difficult. When you have bowel motions, the spasm causes further ripping of the mucosa. This cycle creates chronic anal fissures. Also, sometimes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease, cause anal fissures. Reduced blood supply to the anorectal area and tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles can be plausible reasons for anal fissure.

On rare occasions, anal fissures can occur because of:

• Anal cancer or malignant tumors
• HIV
• TB 
• Syphilis 
• Genital herpes

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, seek medical attention:

• In the anal area, a stinging discomfort
• Itchiness
• A visible tear in your anorectal area
• Anorectal clotting
• Toilet tissue with bright crimson blood
• Separation of blood and excrement
• Stools that are very dark, sticky, or have dark red blood

What is the treatment for anal fissure?

An acute anal fissure heals within six weeks of treatment. Anal fissures that last for more than six weeks are called chronic anal fissures. An imbalance in anal pressure can prevent blood from flowing through the blood vessels surrounding the anus in people whose anal fissures do not heal well. A lack of blood flow hampers healing. Treatment of anal fissures involves medicines, injections, and even topical therapies that enhance blood flow.

Other treatments include:

• Increase fiber and water in your diet, which will help you control your bowel motions and reduce both diarrhea and constipation
• Up to 20 minutes of warm bath per day
• Taking stool softeners when needed, such as fiber supplements
• A lateral internal sphincterotomy during which surgeons relieve pressure within the anus 

What are the risks of anal fissures?

• Discomfort and pain
• The difficulty with bowel movements
• Blood clotting 
• Gas and uncontrollable bowel motions

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

A tiny tear can cause fissures in the anus lining. When your anal mucosa strains beyond its natural capacity, an anal fissure occurs. Constipation can cause this.