Anal Fissure Specialist

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a tiny tear in the outer lining of the anal canal, the short tube that carries stool from your rectum out of your body. This type of injury is very painful and may bleed.

Chronic constipation, straining during a bowel movement, or prolonged diarrhea may cause this injury. You may also develop an anal fissure from any trauma that overstretches the tissue, such as anal sex or insertion of foreign objects into the anus.

Having a history of an anal fissure increases your risk of recurrence. 

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Extreme pain during and after a bowel movement is the most common symptom of an anal fissure. The pain from an anal fissure may last several minutes or hours after a bowel movement. This type of pain may cause you to avoid going to the bathroom.

The prolonged pain occurs because of anal sphincter muscle spasms.

An anal fissure may bleed, causing bright red blood on your stool, in the toilet, or on the tissue paper after a bowel movement. 

If you have severe pain following a bowel movement, schedule a consultation at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. Many people mistake anal fissure symptoms with hemorrhoids. Without the proper diagnosis and care, you may prolong your suffering.

What happens during an anal fissure exam?

Your specialist at FCRS does a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about anal pain. They review your symptoms, medical history, and bowel habits. They also ask about your usual diet.

Your provider performs a physical exam and diagnoses anal fissures by visually examining your anal tissue. 

What are the treatments for an anal fissure?

Treatment for your anal fissure depends on the severity of the injury and whether it’s a chronic or recurring condition. Most superficial anal fissures heal with conservative care. 

First, your provider corrects your constipation or diarrhea and any underlying condition contributing to your anal fissure. Your plan may include:

• High-fiber diet
• Increase in fluid intake
• Stool softener
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Topical anesthetic ointment
• Topical ointment to reduce muscle spasms and improve circulation
• Warm tub baths (sitz baths)

If conservative care fails to heal your injury, your specialist may recommend surgery to repair the anal fissure; this procedure is called lateral internal sphincterotomy. During the brief outpatient procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in the anal sphincter muscle, reducing spasms and pain. 

Don’t ignore your anal pain. Call Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.