Anal fissures refer to a small tear in the mucosa (thin, moist tissue) that lines the anus. The crack in the skin can cause severe pain and even some bleeding during the bowel movements. An anal fissure is a common problem found in both adults and infants because of the increasing constipation problem in the respective age groups.
As per an article by Medscape, anal fissure is a common problem affecting both males and females. However, 25% of women develop this problem whereas the percentage of men is 8%.
Though the problem is not complicated in many cases and can be resolved by making certain changes in the lifestyle and following specific medications. But, neglecting your problem in the initial stages can create life-risking dangers, so it’s better to consult the doctor and get your anal fissures treated as soon as possible.
What causes Anal fissure?
Several reasons can be behind the problem of anal fissure in the body. The causes vary from person to person, but the most common in several cases are:
- A chronic case of diarrhoea
- Childbirth
- Constipation
- Passing hard stools
- Reduced blood flow to the anorectal area
The following causes are observed in sporadic cases:
- Anal cancer
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis or any anal inflammatory disease\
Symptoms of Anal fissure
People suffering from anal fissures may have or more symptoms from the following:
- Pain during bowel movements that may become severe
- Bleeding during stool passage
- Severe pain after passing stools
- A visible tear around the anus in the skin
- Formation of a small lump on the skin near the affected area
- Burning sensation or itchy feeling in the anal region
If you have speculation about having anal fissure or you are facing any of the above symptoms, the only right thing to do is have a consultation with the doctor and get rid of the problem before its too late.
Who is at risk?
Anal fissures are quite a common problem for thousands of people around the globe. But the common cases that have come up are mainly of infants, women and adults. Also, the people who are distressed by constipation are the risk of suffering chronic anal fissures.
Infants and women who have recent delivery or are in their pregnancy period develop fissures due to strain on the anal region.
People should pay close attention to every sign that your body shows up to avoid any complications that can arise due to negligence.
Delay in the medical examination can lead to severe problems like anal fistulas, anal stenosis and chronic stage of anal fissure that may become severely dangerous.
Treatment for Anal fissure
As the symptoms vary from patient to patient, so does their treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition and diagnosing the patient’s body, the doctors will recommend the best possible solution that can be either self-treatment, medications & drugs or the surgical operations.
Following surgical methods are typically available for curing anal fissure
- Traditional surgery
The process of treating anal fissures by cutting or stretching muscles around the anus refers to traditional surgery, also known as lateral internal sphincterotomy. The doctor performs the process under general anaesthesia, and it is an efficient process for healing the fissure wholly but gradually.
The hospital stay is of 2-4 days in this treatment, and the patient can continue with his routine activities after 6-10 weeks after the consultation with the doctor.
- Laser procedure
Laser treatment is a no-pain procedure that involves the usage of laser technology to get rid of the anal fissures. The doctors seal the crack using the heat generated by the laser. Performed under general anaesthesia, the operation completed in just 30 minutes without causing any wound or tear.
The patient undergoing the laser surgery needs to stay for a single in hospital and can resume with his routine from the very next day. This makes laser procedure more preferred treatment for curing anal fissures.
But make sure you require regular medical follow-ups after undergoing any of the surgery to have a faster pace of recovery and resume a healthy lifestyle.
Choose Ayu Heath
Ayu Health is India’s most trusted network of hospitals. Our in-house surgery experts are among the best in their field and will suggest the most optimal anal fissure treatment for the patients depending upon their case. We offer both laser and traditional surgical procedures.
If you are looking for a leading surgeon and doctor who can treat and perform effective surgery and suggest the best possible treatment for anal fissure in India, you can call +91 – 6366 100 800 or visit our website.
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About the Author
Dr. Udaybhaskar M
Dr. Uday Bhaskar is a renowned urologist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore.
He is proficient in Endourology, RIRS, (open and laparoscopy), andrology (penile lengthening & penile prosthesis for erectile problems), and other urological procedures. Over the course of his career, he has performed many laser TURPs for prostate enlargement. He also has vast experience in treating renal stones and performing PNCLs.