Fissure Treatment

An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anus, often causing sharp pain during or after bowel movements. It is a common proctology problem, especially in patients who experience constipation, prolonged straining, or hard stools. In my OPD, I frequently see fissures in both young adults and middle-aged patients, often linked to lifestyle, diet, and digestive irregularities.

Causes & Risk Factors of Fissure

  • Passing hard or large stools due to constipation
  • Chronic diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel conditions
  • Prolonged straining during bowel movements
  • Pregnancy or childbirth in women
  • Low fibre intake and inadequate hydration
  • Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting
  • History of anal trauma or infections

 

Many patients notice fissures after dietary changes, travel, or disrupted bowel routines.

Types of Anal Fissure

  • Acute Fissure: Recent tears causing intense pain and mild bleeding. Usually heal with conservative care within a few weeks.

  • Chronic Fissure: Last more than six weeks, often with scar tissue, sphincter spasm, or persistent pain and bleeding. Chronic fissures usually require procedural or surgical treatment.

Symptoms of Anal Fissure

  • Sharp, burning pain during bowel movements
  • Bright-red blood on stool or toilet paper
  • Itching or irritation around the anal opening
  • Small visible tear or crack near the anus
  • Spasms of the anal sphincter, making stool passage difficult.

 

Possible Complications if Untreated

  • Chronic pain and persistent bleeding
  • Sphincter spasm leading to delayed healing
  • Formation of sentinel piles or skin tags at the fissure site
  • Secondary infection or, rarely, fistula development

Talk to Dr. Trisha Today!

Take the first step toward expert diagnosis and personalised treatment. Dr. Rai’s expertise ensures accurate assessment and the right solution for your condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and involves careful visual examination. In my practice, I use gentle anoscopy or proctoscopy to assess the depth, location, and chronicity of the fissure, while also ruling out associated conditions like piles or fistulas.

Treatment Options of Fissure

1. Conservative Management

  • Increase fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Maintain adequate hydration to prevent hard stools
  • Gentle bowel habits and avoiding straining
  • Warm sitz baths to relax the anal sphincter and reduce pain
  • Ayurvedic herbal formulations to support digestion and improve local healing

2. Procedural & Surgical Treatments

  • Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (Closed or Open): For chronic fissures with persistent pain or sphincter spasm, a small portion of the internal anal sphincter is released to relieve tension and promote healing. Both closed and open techniques are safe and performed as day-care procedures, with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.

  • Laser-Assisted Fissure Healing: Targeted laser therapy gently treats fissure tissue, promoting rapid healing, reducing pain, and minimizing recurrence.

When to Consult a Proctologist?

  • Severe or persistent anal pain lasting more than a week
  • Bleeding during bowel movements that does not stop
  • Non-healing fissures despite home remedies.
  • Recurrent fissures impacting daily life.

 

Early consultation improves healing, reduces pain, and prevents chronic complications.

Dr. Trisha Rai’s Approach

I adopt a personalized, patient-focused strategy for managing anal fissures. Each treatment plan combines dietary guidance, Ayurvedic support, and advanced procedural options such as laser therapy or lateral internal sphincterotomy (open/closed), tailored to the patient’s symptoms, fissure severity, and lifestyle. The goal is to ensure rapid relief, permanent healing, and minimal disruption to daily routine.

Talk to Dr. Trisha Today!

Take the first step toward expert diagnosis and personalised treatment. Dr. Rai’s expertise ensures accurate assessment and the right solution for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before starting your treatment journey.