FISSURE

WHAT IS ANAL FISSURE?

An anal fissure is a tear or split in the lining of the anal canal, mostly in its back side.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FISSURE?

• Chronic constipation.
• Straining during a bowel movement.
• After child birth.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS DUE TO FISSURE?

• Severe pain, burning sensation and itching at the anal region during a bowel movement and even after hours thereafter.
• Some spotting along with the passage of hard stools.
• Spasm of the anus.
• A skin tag felt outside the anal opening.

IF THESE PROBLEMS ARE LEFT UNTREATED

• Infection of the fissure leading to pus formation in it.
• The fissure will get chronic with alternating painful and pain-free periods.
• The fissure will grow deeper and turn into a fistula (an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin outside.)

HOW IS A FISSURE DIAGNOSED?

A fissure is diagnosed only on clinical examination and no tests are required.

TREATMENT

MEDICAL

• Use of strong laxatives to allow easy passage of stools.
• Application of local anaesthetic gel to the anus to alleviate the pain and reduce the friction caused by the passage of rough stools.
• Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fibre diet.

SURGICAL

WHEN IS SURGERY DONE?

• When the condition becomes chronic and is only temporarily relieved by medicines.
• When there is tremendous pain causing severe spasm of the anal canal.
• When the fissure gets infected with pus formation in it.

ABOUT SURGERY

• A short general anaesthesia is given.
• The muscles of the anal canal are manually stretched to release their spasm.
• If necessary, a tiny cut is made in the tight anal sphincter.

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SURGERY

• Discharge from the hospital in 24 hours. Get back to work in 48 hours.
• You can have a bath on the day after your operation.
• You may find a minor mucous discharge from the anus for a few days after the operation, but nothing to worry about.
• Keep the area clean.
• Eat a high-fibre diet and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.