What Are Anal Fissures?
An anal fissure is a tear or wound in the lining of the anus. The fissure can extend into the muscle layer that helps control bowel movements. Anal fissures can be very painful. Other symptoms include blood on the toilet tissue and the sensation of burning or tearing with bowel movements. Risk factors include trauma to the anal canal, passage of large or hard bowel movements or severe diarrhea. Anal fissures can also be a sign of other medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
How Can We Help?
Anal fissures are diagnosed with a visual inspection of the anus. Anal fissures may heal without additional therapy. Treatment is directed at eliminating constipation, diarrhea, and pain control. Some patients can be treated with fiber and sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes twice a day. Other patients may need topical medications. If the fissure does not heal, some patients may require surgery. The surgery is an outpatient procedure.
Who to Contact
Dr. Charlie Jones and Dr. Susan Hagen have over 30 years of surgical experience. To make an appointment, please call 303-443-2123.