What is Anal Fissure?

A split in the anus's skin is known as an anal fissure. During and after bowel motions, the skin break produces excruciating agony and occasional bright red blood. Additionally, the muscular ring at the tip of your anus may twitch.

What are the symptoms?

Few of the following symptoms might be brought on by an anal fissure:

• A noticeable rip in the tissue near your anus.
• A tiny skin lump or skin tag near the rip.
• Acute discomfort with bowel motions in the anal region.
• Blood stains on the toilet paper or stools after wiping.
• Anal region burning or itching

How is it caused?

Anal fissures frequently result from:

• Passing huge or difficult stools.
• Straining during bowel motions and constipation.
• Persistent diarrhea
• Anal sex
• Childbirth
• Another inflammatory bowel condition such as Crohn's disease.
• Anal cancer.
• HIV.
• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis

How is it prevented?

Anal fissures are not always preventable; however, by adopting the following precautions, you can lower your chance of developing one:

• Keeping the anal area clean and dry
• Carefully wash the anal region with warm water and mild soap
• To prevent constipation, consume enough fluids, eat meals high in fiber, and exercise regularly.
• Addressing diarrhea right away
• If they have the condition, newborns' diapers should be changed often.

What are the non-surgical treatment options?

The majority of anal fissures will heal on their own without surgery. As exposed sores, anal fissures should be kept dry and clean to promote the body's natural healing processes.

You'll probably require more medical attention if your symptoms don't go away. Your doctor may suggest topical anesthetic creams to alleviate the pain, Botox injections to relax spasms, and blood pressure medications to help relax the anal sphincter.

What are the surgical treatment options?

Your doctor could advise surgery if you have a persistent anal fissure unresponsive to previous therapies or if your symptoms are severe. To lessen spasms and discomfort and facilitate healing, doctors frequently conduct a lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) technique, which involves severing a tiny piece of the anal sphincter muscle.