An anal fissure is a tear in the delicate skin around the anus. This tear can be very painful, particularly when passing stool.
Causes
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Childbirth
- Anal intercourse
- Other conditions like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease or HIV
- 080 2525 44 44
- 080 2525 66 66
- 98444 47766
Symptoms of Anal Fissure
- Sharp pain during or after bowel movements
- Bleeding in the toilet bowl after passing stool
- Itching or irritation  around the anus
- Visible tear or crack
- Painful lumps – Sometimes, a small lump or skin tag may develop near the fissure as part of the healing process.
How Are Anal Fissures Diagnosed?
- Physical examination: Your doctor will examine the area around your anus to check for visible tears or cracks.
- Anoscopy: In some cases, your doctor may use a small, tube-like instrument called an anoscope to examine the inside of the anus and rectum to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options for Anal Fissures
Treatment for anal fissures aims to promote healing, relieve pain, and prevent further damage. At LifePlus Hospital, we offer a range of treatment options based on the severity of your condition:
- Medications
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Botox injections: Botox can be injected into the anal sphincter to relax the muscles, which may help the fissure heal.
- Lateral internal sphincterotomy: In some cases, the doctor may perform a small surgical procedure to cut a tiny part of the anal sphincter muscle to relieve pressure, allowing the fissure to heal more easily.
- Surgical Treatment Prevention of Anal Fissures
- Maintain a high-fibre diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid straining
- Exercise regularly
- Practice good hygiene
Recovery Time after Anal Fissure Surgery
Initial Recovery:
Most patients begin to feel better within the first 2-3 weeks after surgery. You may experience some discomfort during the first few days, but this usually improves significantly over time.
Full Recovery:
Complete healing can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on the type of surgery and your individual healing process.
Return to Normal Activities:
While you can typically resume light activities and work within 1-2 weeks, more strenuous activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks to avoid strain on the healing area.
