Anal Fissures Laser Treatment & Surgery in Sadashiv Peth, Pune
A small teat in the inner lining of the anus is called an anal fissure. The ear in the inner lining of the anus is a moist tissue called the mucosa is caused when you pass large or hard stool during a bowel movement. It causes pain and bleeding. You might also experience a sudden contraction at the end of your anus. Anal fissures are common in infants but can occur in adults too. Usually, the symptoms of anal fissures can be treated with diet changes, including fiber-rich foods. Know more about laser treatment for fissure.
What is an anal fissure?
The crack in the skin in the inner lining of the anus is called an anal fissure. It causes severe pain and bleeding during bowel movements. It can sometimes be deep enough to expose the tissues and muscles within. An anal fissure is not a serious condition and it can be treated using stool softeners and topical medicines. It is common among infants since they often suffer from constipation. It can happen to people of any age group. The tear usually heals on its own within four to six weeks. If it persists longer than that, it is considered chronic. If conventional treatment options do not heal your condition, you might need surgery.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
The common causes of an anal fissure are as follows:
- Childbirth
- Passing hard and large stool
- Anal intercourse
- Chronic diarrhea
- Constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease
- Overly tight anal sphincter muscles
- Decreased blood flow to the anorectal area
Some rare causes of anal fissures are as follows:
- HIV
- Anal cancer
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- herpes
What are the symptoms of anal fissures?
The symptoms of anal fissures are as follows:
- Pain during bowel movements that can get severe
- Pain lasting up to several hours after bowel movements
- Bright red blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement
- A visible crack in the skin around your anus
- A small lump or skin tag near the anus
When to see a doctor?
If you suffer pain during or after bowel movements or you notice blood passing in your stool, consult a doctor.
Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune
Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment
How are anal fissures treated?
Anal fissures can be treated in few weeks by taking fiber-rich foods and soaking in warm water after bowel movements. If this does not help, then your doctor might recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Nonsurgical treatment options
- Topical anesthetic creams, for example, xylocaine can be applied to relieve pain.
- Nitroglycerin is applied externally to increase blood flow and help relax anal fissures. It helps to promote healing and is an effective treatment option.
- Botox injections are given to paralyze the anal sphincter muscles
- Blood pressure medications can help relax anal sphincter muscles.
Surgical treatment option:
Your doctor will recommend surgery if you have chronic anal fissures and the nonsurgical treatment options are not effective in your case. Your doctor will cut a small portion of your anal sphincter muscle. This reduces spasms and promotes healing. This procedure is called lateral internal sphincterotomy.
Conclusion:
Anal fissures cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Chronic conditions can lead to the development of skin tags in the affected area. Conditions directly related to anal fissures include stress and trauma in the area like passing hard stool, vaginal delivery, and anal sex.
It is not possible to prevent anal fissures in every case but you can take some preventive measures that can be helpful. You must always keep your anal area dry and clean. Always use a mild cleanser and warm water to clean the area. You must avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water, and eating fiber-rich foods. Exercise also helps to prevent constipation. If you suffer from diarrhea, do not prolong your condition. Get yourself treated as soon as possible. Take care of the hygiene of your infants. Make sure to change their diapers frequently.
Your doctor can diagnose anal fissures by simply examining the area around your anus. They might perform a rectum examination to confirm the diagnosis. An anoscope is inserted in your rectum for rectum examination. It is a thin tube medical instrument that is used to view the tear and examine the anal fissure. Your doctor can find the cause of the tear like hemorrhoids, using this method of examination. In some cases, the doctor might need to perform an endoscopy to evaluate your conditions better.