Anal fissure

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Rectum

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Anal fissure

Treatment:

Stool softeners
Dietary adjustment (addition of bulk -- substances that absorb water while in the intestinal tract)
Cleansing more gently
Petroleum jelly
Sitz bath
Anesthetic ointment, if pain interferes with normal bowel movement
Topical muscle relaxants

These measures generally heal more than 90% of anal fissures.

For fissures that do not heal with these home treatments, injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter may be used to temporarily paralyze the anal sphincter muscle and promote healing. Another option for nonhealing fissures is a minor surgical procedure to relax the sphincter.

Expectations (prognosis):

Anal fissures generally heal quickly without residual problems. However, people who develop fissures are more likely to have them in the future.

Complications:

Occasionally, a fissure becomes chronic and will not heal. Chronic fissures may require minor surgery to relax the sphincter.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms associated with anal fissure are present, or if the fissure does not heal appropriately with treatment.

Review Date: 7/15/2004
Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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