Anal Fissure – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

An anal fissure is a small cut or minor tear in the lining of the anus. This pain causes painful motion, along with irritation and bleeding. A fissure is typically formed when your anal canal is stretched beyond its limit. The stretching of your anal might be due to the following causes:

• Frequent constipation, unusual or irregular bowel movements
• Unhealthy anal intercourse
• The passing of abnormally large and hard stool during bowel movements
• Chronic diarrhea
• Overstretching the opening of the anus during childbirth
• Inflammatory bowel disease, syphilis, HIV Aids and anal cancer are some of the rare causes why a fissure might be formed.

How will you know that a fissure has formed? You have to watch out for the following symptoms:

• Painful bowel movements
• Itching near the anus 
• Passing bloody stool 
• Tear or cut in the anus skin 
• A skin tag or lump near the fissure
• Feeling that you are full of bowel even after you have passed stools many times

If you notice these signs, you need to immediately see your healthcare professional. Getting it diagnosed is the first step to getting healed. Also, diagnosis is important to know that the pain is due to the formation of fissure and not because you have piles or an anal fistula.

So, how is an anal fissure diagnosed? It diagnosed by a physical examination of the anal area. The doctor finds out the extent of the tear by performing an anoscopy. Or, the doctor might perform a colposcopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy. The tests performed by the doctor depends on the condition of the patient.

How to treat an anal fissure?

Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is a procedure where the fissure is treated by stretching or cutting the muscles around the anus. Traditionally, this procedure is dreaded by patients as it is quite painful. But, the leading laser clinic, Laser 360 Clinic, performs LIS through laser.

Laser treatment for anal fissure is minimally invasive, painless and bloodless. It can be performed as a day care procedure and you’ll be discharged within 48 hours.

Contact Laser 360 Clinic to know more.

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