Anal Fissure Specialists in Karnataka
An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus, most commonly caused by the passage of hard or large stools that stretch and…
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What is Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus, most commonly caused by the passage of hard or large stools that stretch and injure the delicate anal skin. It typically causes sharp, severe pain during and after bowel movements, often accompanied by a small amount of bright red bleeding. While most anal fissures are acute and heal within a few weeks with simple measures, some become chronic, persisting beyond eight weeks and requiring more targeted treatment. Chronic constipation and prolonged sphincter spasm are key factors that prevent healing.
Mild
Common — affects people of all ages, with a peak incidence in young and middle-aged adults
No
Causes of Anal Fissure
Most commonly caused by trauma from passing hard, large, or dry stools during constipation, though it can also result from chronic diarrhea, childbirth, or anal intercourse. Risk factors include chronic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and reduced blood flow to the anal area. Persistent spasm of the internal anal sphincter after the initial tear can impair blood flow to the area, preventing the fissure from healing and creating a cycle of pain and further injury.
Symptoms of Anal Fissure
Sharp, severe pain during and immediately after bowel movements, bright red blood on stool or toilet paper, visible tear or crack in the skin around the anus, itching or irritation in the anal area, a small skin tag near the fissure in chronic cases, spasm of the anal sphincter muscle
Treatment & Types of Anal Fissure in Karnataka
Most acute fissures heal with conservative measures including increased fiber and fluid intake to soften stools, warm sitz baths, and topical pain-relieving or muscle-relaxing ointments to reduce sphincter spasm and promote healing. Chronic fissures that fail to respond may be treated with topical nitroglycerin or calcium channel blocker ointments, botulinum toxin injection into the sphincter muscle, or, in resistant cases, a minor surgical procedure called lateral internal sphincterotomy.
Anal fissures are classified as acute (present for less than six to eight weeks, usually healing with simple conservative measures) or chronic (persisting beyond eight weeks, often with a visible skin tag, exposed muscle fibers, and higher likelihood of needing medical or surgical treatment to heal).
Colorectal & Proctology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an anal fissure heal on its own?
Most acute fissures heal within a few weeks with increased fibre and fluid intake, warm sitz baths, and stool softeners.
Is surgery always needed for a fissure?
No, surgery is reserved for chronic fissures that don't respond to topical treatments like nitroglycerin ointment or botulinum toxin injection.
Why does it hurt so much after passing stool?
The pain comes from both the tear itself and spasm of the anal sphincter muscle, which can also reduce blood flow and delay healing.
Can fissures come back after healing?
Yes, especially if constipation isn't well managed, so maintaining a high-fibre diet and adequate hydration is important for prevention.
Is the bleeding from a fissure something to worry about?
Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper is typical and usually not dangerous, but any bleeding should be confirmed by a doctor to rule out other causes.