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Anal Fissures

What are Anal Fissures?​

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. They are often caused by trauma to the anal canal, such as straining during bowel movements, passing hard stools, or chronic diarrhea. Fissures can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) if they fail to heal within six weeks.

Symptoms of Anal Fissures

Anal fissures can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Severe Pain: Intense pain during and after bowel movements is the hallmark symptom of an anal fissure.

Rectal Bleeding: Bright red blood may be noticed on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

Itching and Irritation: Persistent discomfort, itching, and irritation around the anus.

Visible Tear: In some cases, the fissure may be visible around the anus.

If you experience these symptoms and they persist despite treatment, LIS may be necessary to relieve pain and promote healing.

Causes and Risk Factors​

Several factors can contribute to the development of anal fissures, including:

Straining During Bowel Movements: Excessive straining, particularly due to constipation, can cause tears in the anal lining.
Hard Stools: Passing large, hard stools is one of the most common causes of anal fissures.

Chronic Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea can irritate the lining of the anus, leading to fissures.

Childbirth: Women are at higher risk of developing anal fissures during childbirth due to the strain on the pelvic area.

Other factors such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing anal fissures.

Diagnosing Anal Fissures​

Diagnosis of anal fissures is typically done through a physical examination by your doctor. During the examination, your doctor will inspect the anal area to check for tears or signs of irritation. Further testing, such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, may be required in more severe or chronic cases to rule out other conditions such as hemorrhoids or Crohn’s disease.

Treatments for Anal Fissures​

At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, we offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments for anal fissures:

Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water can help soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements, promoting healing.

Topical Medications: Nitroglycerin ointment, calcium channel blockers, or steroid creams can help relax the anal sphincter and reduce pain, promoting healing.

Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS): In chronic cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve tension in the sphincter muscle, promoting healing and reducing pain.

What Happens If Left Untreated?​

If left untreated, anal fissures can become chronic, leading to recurring pain, bleeding, and discomfort. Chronic fissures may not heal on their own and can result in muscle spasms of the anal sphincter, which worsens the symptoms and makes treatment more challenging. In severe cases, long-term inflammation and irritation can lead to the development of scar tissue or abscesses.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort due to anal fissures, it may be time to consult with a specialist about your treatment options. At Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics, our experienced team offers comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including anal fissures. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how we can help you find relief.

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