Overview
An anal fissure is a small tear in the delicate lining of the anal canal. It typically causes a sharp, cutting pain during a bowel movement, often followed by a lingering ache and bright red bleeding.
Early fissures heal quickly with the right treatment. Neglected fissures can become chronic and require a minor procedure for permanent relief.
Symptoms
- Severe, knife-like pain while passing stools
- Pain that continues for minutes to hours afterwards
- Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper
- Fear of passing stools, leading to worsening constipation
- A visible small tear or skin tag near the anus
Causes
- Passing hard or large stools
- Chronic constipation or repeated diarrhoea
- Increased anal sphincter tone and spasm
- Childbirth-related trauma
- Underlying inflammatory bowel conditions in rare cases
Treatment Process
- Gentle examination to confirm the diagnosis without causing distress
- Stool softeners, local anaesthetic and healing ointments
- Sphincter-relaxing medication to break the pain-spasm cycle
- Warm sitz baths and dietary fibre correction
- A short day-care procedure for chronic, non-healing fissures
Recovery
Pain usually reduces significantly within the first few days of treatment.
Acute fissures heal in two to four weeks with conservative care.
After a minor procedure, most patients return to routine work within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get relief?
Book a private consultation with Dr. P. Mastan Khan. Same-day appointments are often available during clinic hours.