Anal fissure
A guide to anal fissure surgery
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal. It can cause sharp pain during or after a bowel movement and may sometimes result in a small amount of bleeding.
Anal fissures are common and can often develop following constipation or the passage of a hard stool. Many heal with simple measures and medication, but fissures that persist may require further treatment.
Mr Tewari can assess your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you, including surgical treatment where necessary.
How is an anal fissure treated?
Many anal fissures will heal without surgery. Initial treatment usually focuses on keeping stools soft and reducing discomfort, which may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, laxatives and prescribed creams or ointments.
If a fissure becomes chronic or does not respond to these treatments, a surgical procedure may be considered. One option is a lateral internal sphincterotomy, which involves making a small cut in part of the internal anal sphincter muscle. This reduces muscle spasm and pressure, allowing the fissure to heal.
Mr Tewari will discuss the available treatment options with you and recommend an approach based on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
What can I expect after anal fissure surgery?
Most people can go home on the same day following surgery for an anal fissure. Some discomfort is normal afterwards, and you may be advised to take pain relief and use measures to keep your stools soft while the area heals.
You will be given advice about caring for the area, returning to normal activities and any symptoms you should look out for following your procedure. Recovery varies between patients and will depend on the treatment you have received.
Mr Tewari will explain what to expect before your procedure and provide appropriate aftercare advice.
Book an appointment
If you believe you need anal fissure surgery or you have been referred to us by your doctor, please contact us to book an appointment.