Guide to Anal Fissure

Our surgeons have extensive experience in the medical and surgical management of anal fissures.

When non-surgical options fail or symptoms are severe, sphincterotomy, or the division of the internal sphincter for fissure disease, is highly effective. Other novel muscle-sparing alternatives which may be equally effective are currently being evaluated by the members of our team and your surgeon will discuss these possibilities with you.

Our team is available for second opinion consultations for anyone who wishes to confirm a diagnosis or discuss treatment options.

What are Anal Fissures

A fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus. Like external hemorrhoidal disease, anal fissures can be associated with changes in bowel habits. Normally, a fissure is associated with pain and bleeding. Most often, it is located towards your tailbone, but it can be located in the front, towards your scrotum/vagina. In other locations, a fissure may be a sign that there is another disease state, such as inflammatory bowel disease, an infectious disease, or a malignancy. When it is chronic, it can be associated with a skin tag in the area, and/or a papilla, or thickened white tag from inside the anus. While there may be pain from the fissure itself, associated discomfort may result from spasm of the rectum. This discomfort establishes a cycle in which the afflicted patient may avoid bowel movements, thus perpetuating constipation, which may worsen the symptoms.

Though the exact cause of fissures is unknown, most believe that they are caused by ischemia, or the relative lack of blood flow, to this area. Since more that 80% of fissures will heal without an operation, it is of utmost importance to maximize the measures of good bowel habits and symptomatic care. Changes may include the addition of a high fiber diet, in which 20-30 grams of fiber per day is ingested, a fiber supplement such as Metamucil, Konsyl, Citrucel, or Per diem, drinking plenty of fluids, sitz baths, and moderate exercise. Prescriptions for medications to increase the blood flow to this area, such as nitrates or calcium channel blockers (used for chest pain due to heart disease) may be helpful. When non-surgical options fail or symptoms are severe, sphincterotomy, or the division of the internal sphincter for fissure disease, is highly effective. During this procedure, your surgeon will identify the internal sphincter and cut a portion of it. However, the internal sphincter plays a part in your continence, and some patients experience short-term and long-term incontinence. The technique of the sphincterotomy is important, and preoperative evaluation of your sphincter by means of an assessment of your symptoms and measurement of sphincter pressures may be warranted. Recent studies have used injection of botulinum toxin into the sphincter muscles to paralyze them and allow healing to take place. Unfortunately, it is not yet clear how much to use, and exactly where the injection should take place. Additionally, temporary fecal incontinence may ensue. Other muscle-sparing techniques are currently being evaluated.

Our team is available for second opinion consultations for anyone who wishes to confirm a diagnosis or discuss treatment options.

Next Steps

If you or someone you love is in need of care for a colorectal issue, we’re here to help. Our team is available for consultations, second opinions, and to perform any colorectal procedure, should one be necessary. Call us at (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online.

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