Anal Fissure
by
Debra Wood, RN DefinitionAn anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus. The anus is the opening through which stool leaves the body. Tears generally occur just inside the opening.
CausesThe exact cause of an anal fissure is unknown. In most cases, tearing is the result of trauma to the anal lining. Trauma can be caused by:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances an anal fissure:
SymptomsAn anal fissure may cause:
Apprehension about bowel movement pain may cause you to delay bowel movements. This can make the symptom worse. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Anal fissures are generally visible, so diagnosis can be made with an anal exam. If it is not visible, but suspected, your doctor may need to do other tests as long as it is not too painful. These tests include:
Fissures usually occur in predictable locations around the anus. If there are multiple cuts, or a cut in an unusual location, the doctor may order additional tests to look for other conditions. TreatmentTreatment aims to heal the cut and prevent future anal problems. Most fissures heal on their own or with self-care. Fissures that are fairly new are easier to heal than ones that have persisted for longer than 3 months. Treatments include: Self-careFissures may heal by changing some of your daily habits. These include:
MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe:
SurgerySurgery may be necessary for:
Surgical procedures include:
PreventionTo help reduce your chances of an anal fissure:
RESOURCES:American College of Gastroenterology http://patients.gi.org American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons http://www.fascrs.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons http://cscrs.ca References:Anal fissure. Hemorrhoid website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 18, 2017.
Anal fissure. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113851/Anal-fissure
. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.
Anal fissure expanded innformation. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-information. Accessed December 18, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 1/28/2015 | |
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