Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the skin that lines the anus. Your anus is the hole in your bottom through which faeces poo leaves your body. If you have pain and discomfort when doing a bowel motion poo you might have an anal fissure. An anal fissure can be very uncomfortable.
But it will usually heal if you make some changes to your diet and follow some simple treatments. If you have an anal fissure, you will have pain with defecating pooing. This pain can last for up to 2 hours. The pain is due to:. Most anal fissures are caused by trauma injury to the area. This can happen:. Your doctor may refer you to a colorectal surgeon if the cause of your symptoms is not clear, or your treatment isn't working.
It involves eating lots of high-fibre foods and drinking lots of water to soften your stools poos. Conservative treatment usually works in 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe glyceryl nitrate GTN cream. However, this can cause side effects such as headaches and light-headedness. Speak with your doctor or pharmacists if you notice these or other side effects.
Botox is another treatment option. It's a chemical that's injected into the muscles around your anus to help them relax. It is recommended in people at high risk of developing faecal incontinence from surgery. Anal fissure surgery is known as a lateral internal sphincterotomy. A small cut is made in your sphincter muscle, which relieves tension. You can have this procedure done as day surgery.
In about 4 in 10 cases, anal fissures progress to become chronic long term fissures. If the split doesn't heal properly, it may cause a small ulcer to form. You can prevent anal fissures by eating a diet that's high in fibre. This can also help prevent your anal fissure from recurring coming back.
