What is an Anal Fissure?
Anal Fissure is a common painful condition in which a portion of the skin lining the anal canal is torn. Anal canal is the cylindrical tube at the end of rectum which ends at the anus.

What are the symptoms of Anal Fissure?
Anal Fissure is caused by constipation and forceful bowel movement. Increased pressure while passing a motion leads to tear in the skin in the anal canal. Once the skin is torn, then bowel movement can be painful. Sometimes blood can also come out from the fissure and lead to bleeding in the stools.

How is diagnosis of anal fissure made?
The diagnosis of an anal fissure is made by the doctor examining the anus and the anal canal in the clinic. Small instrument known as anoscope is used in the examination. The doctor will be able to see the tear in the anal canal.

What is the treatment of anal fissure?
The first phase of treatment consists of stool softeners, laxatives and pain management, sitting in warm water and local antiseptic ointment. Surgery may also be required if the tear does not heal on its own.

What is the recovery time and cure rate after surgery?
Recovery time is usually minimal after the surgery and generally no hospitalization is required. The cure rate is in the 95-98% range.

How can Anal Fissure be prevented?
It can be prevented by stool softener and no forceful bowel movement, maintaining cleanliness around the genital area and not straining too much while passing stools.

Last updated on 1-3-2007