A fissure is a small tear or crack in the skin around the anus, often causing intense pain, especially during or after bowel movements. Although fissures can occur in individuals of all ages, they are more common in people who experience chronic constipation or prolonged diarrhoea. At Jeevan Jyot Hospital, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for fissures, ensuring that patients receive the best care to promote healing and relieve pain. Dr. Gaurav Sangam, the best proctologist in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, offers comprehensive care for fissures, helping you recover comfortably.

What is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the skin of the anal canal. It can be extremely painful, particularly when passing stool. Fissures may occur when there is trauma or pressure in the anal area, often due to hard stools, constipation, or even childbirth. While most fissures heal with conservative treatment, some may require medical intervention to prevent chronic symptoms.

Causes of Anal Fissures

Several factors can lead to the development of an anal fissure, including:

• Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements due to hard or large stools is one of the leading causes of fissures.
• Diarrhea: Frequent or prolonged diarrhoea can irritate the skin around the anus and lead to fissures.
• Childbirth: The pressure exerted during delivery can sometimes cause tears in the anal area.
• Anal Sex: This can cause trauma to the anal canal, leading to fissures.
• Low-Fiber Diet: A diet lacking in fibre can contribute to constipation, increasing the risk of fissures.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can make the skin more prone to tearing.

Symptoms of Anal Fissures

The symptoms of an anal fissure can vary depending on the severity of the tear, but common signs include:

• Sharp pain during or after bowel movements, which can last for several minutes to hours.
• Visible tear or crack in the skin around the anus.
• Blood in the stool or on toilet paper, often seen as bright red.
• Itching or irritation around the anus.
• A small lump or skin tag near the fissure, known as a sentinel pile.

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified proctologist like Dr. Gaurav Sangam, the best proctologist in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, to ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Anal Fissures

A proper diagnosis of an anal fissure requires a physical examination, which may involve:

• Visual Inspection: The doctor will examine the anal area to check for any visible tears or cracks in the skin.
• Digital Rectal Examination: The doctor may use a gloved finger to gently examine the inside of the anal canal for any signs of a fissure.
• Anoscopy: In some cases, a small camera may be used to visually inspect the anal canal to assess the severity and location of the fissure.

Treatment Options for Anal Fissures

The treatment for an anal fissure depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms. At Jeevan Jyot Hospital, Dr. Gaurav Sangam, a leading proctologist in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, offers a range of treatments designed to relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.

Conservative Treatments

In many cases, anal fissures heal with simple, non-invasive treatments. These include:

• Increased Fiber Intake: Eating a high-fiber diet can soften the stool and reduce strain during bowel movements, helping the fissure heal.
• Stool Softeners: Medications that help make bowel movements easier and reduce strain.
• Warm Sitz Baths: Soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can relax the anal muscles and promote healing.
• Topical Creams and Ointments: Over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone or nitroglycerin may be used to reduce pain and improve blood flow to the area, speeding up the healing process.
• Pain Relief: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage discomfort during the healing process.

Medical Treatments

If conservative treatments fail to resolve the issue, further medical interventions may be necessary:

• Botox Injections: Botox injections can be used to relax the anal sphincter muscles, which reduces pressure on the fissure and allows it to heal.
• Nitroglycerin Ointment: This ointment relaxes the anal sphincter, improving blood flow and allowing the fissure to heal faster.
• Steroid Creams: Steroid creams may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help with pain relief.

Surgical Treatments

In more severe or chronic cases where other treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be considered:

• Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: This surgery involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to relieve tension, which helps the fissure heal faster.
• Fissurectomy: In cases where the fissure is not healing despite other treatments, a surgical procedure may be performed to remove the tissue around the fissure and promote healing.

If you are suffering from an anal fissure, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Contact Jeevan Jyot Hospital today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaurav Sangam and take the first step toward healing and relief.