What is Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a wound or a small cut that occurs in the delicate skin of the anal canal. Usually, this condition is caused by trauma or excessive straining during the passage of stools. Anal fissure is more common in young adults and can cause significant discomfort, especially during bowel movements.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of anal fissure include:
- Severe pain during and after bowel movements.
- Bleeding during or after the passage of stools.
- Itching or irritation in the anal region.
- Burning sensation around the anus.
- Presence of a small visible wound in the anal canal.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of anal fissure is usually made based on the symptoms reported by the patient and a physical examination performed by the doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a specialized consultation with the proctologist for an anoscopy.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of anal fissure aims to relieve symptoms, promote wound healing, and prevent recurrence. Treatment options include:
- Conservative measures: include dietary changes to promote soft stools and avoid constipation, increased fiber intake, use of warm sitz baths to relieve pain and discomfort, and topical medications to reduce inflammation.
- Medical procedures: in persistent or severe cases of anal fissure, it may be necessary to perform medical procedures, such as the application of anesthetic ointments or topical creams, botulinum toxin injections to relax the anal muscle, or surgery to remove the fissure and promote healing.
It is important to follow the doctor’s guidelines and have adequate follow-up to ensure complete recovery. In many cases, the anal fissure can be successfully treated and the symptoms can completely disappear.
In more severe cases, when conservative measures are not effective, it may be necessary to consider surgical procedures, such as internal lateral sphincterotomy. This procedure involves making a small cut in the anal sphincter to reduce pressure and promote fissure healing.
Conclusion
An anal fissure is a painful condition that affects the lining of the anal canal. It can cause significant discomfort during bowel movements and affect the individual’s quality of life. Proper treatment, including conservative measures and, in some cases, medical procedures, can relieve symptoms and promote fissure healing. It is important to seek medical care to receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. With proper treatment, most cases of anal fissure can be successfully resolved, providing relief and well-being to the patient.