Fissure
What is Fissure
Fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus. The anus is the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool exits the body. Common causes of an anal fissure include constipation and straining or passing hard or large stools during a bowel movement.
Symptoms of Fissure
Some common symptoms of fissure include:
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Pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours.
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Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement.
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A visible crack in the skin around the anus.
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A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure.
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Blood on toilet tissue or wipes
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Burning and itching that may be painful
Causes of Fissures
Fissures can be caused by trauma to the anus and anal canal.
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Prolonged diarrhea
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Anal sex, anal stretching
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Insertion of foreign objects into the anus
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Straining to have a bowel movement, especially if the stool is large, hard and/or dry
Treatment
fissure treatment is to lower the pressure on the anal canal by making stools soft, and to ease discomfort and bleeding.
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Botulinum toxin injections: This treatment involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter muscle to relax the muscle and reduce pressure on the fissure.
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Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fissure, especially if other treatments have been ineffective. Surgical options may include a fissurectomy (removal of the fissure) or a sphincterotomy (cutting the anal sphincter muscle).