27
Mar
A guide to anal fissure care: How our specialist team eases pain, supports healing
The Australian Journal of General Practice reports that anal fissure is the second most common anorectal complaint, a reference to those conditions that affect the anus and rectum. Fissures are very common, but doctors may misdiagnose them as haemorrhoids. Failure to promptly and accurately diagnose conditions results in a delay in treatment and allows the problem to progress. This consideration underscores the importance of turning to a specialist in the diagnoses and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus — like Dr Shanthan Ganesh and our team in North Adelaide, South Australia.
What is a fissure?
The term fissure refers to a crack or split. In the context of anorectal conditions, these cracks or splits occur in the skin that lines the opening of the anus. It’s estimated that 85% to 90% of such fissures arise in the back of the anus, with the balance occurring in the front. Rarely, individuals may develop both posterior (back) and anterior (front) fissures.
What are the common signs of anal fissures?
Most commonly, anal fissures are associated with bleeding. If a fissure is present, you may also experience pain. This pain occurs during and after bowel movements and can be quite severe. The blood itself may look bright red and be visible on tissue.
How do anal fissures form?
Typically, fissures arise due to trauma to the innermost lining of the anus. Hard and dry stools are often to blame. Less frequently, conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis can cause “atypical” fissures. Fissures secondary to these conditions tend to be painless and fail to heal following treatment, among other characteristic differences.
Can anal fissures increase my risk for colon cancer?
No. However, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated by Dr. Ganesh promptly. Failure to get an accurate diagnosis can lead to such injuries becoming chronic. A chronic fissure (lasting at least eight to 10 weeks) is much harder to treat than an acute one of recent onset.
How do you treat fissures?
Most fissures can be treated without surgery. Dr. Ganesh may suggest making some lifestyle changes. These recommendations can include incorporating warm sitz baths into your daily routine as a means of relaxing the muscles of the anus and to support healing. Additionally, we may restore more consistent bowel movements by recommending high-fibre diets, fibre supplements, increased water intake, and stool softeners. Topical anaesthetics may be appropriate to ease pain. For chronic fissures, our specialist can prescribe medications designed to relax the anal sphincter muscles.
What if the anal fissure persists even with these changes?
Dr Ganesh may re-examine the fissure. There may be underlying conditions responsible for the fissure that require treatment. Surgery is also an option and may involve dividing a portion of the internal anal sphincter muscle. This procedure is commonly used to treat persistent fissures. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has a more than 90% success rate.
Treatment starts with an evaluation at Dr. Shanthan Ganesh’s office. Call our team in North Adelaide, SA, today at 08 81646727 to request an appointment.
Share this Article
SUCCESS STORIES
READ WHAT OUR
HAPPY PATIENTS SAY
Clara Evelyn
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of
the printing and typesetting industry.
Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s
standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,
Fady Daoud
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of
the printing and typesetting industry.
Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s
standard dummy text ever since the 1500s,