An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus. The anus is the opening through which stool leaves the body.
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The exact cause is not known. In most people, it happens as a result of trauma to the anal lining. Trauma can be caused by:
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
The main problem is severe burning or tearing pain during and after a bowel movement. A person may also pass bright red blood or mucous.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the anus. The doctor will likely be able to see an anal fissure. This is enough to make the diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is not clear, these tests may be done:
The goal of treatment is to promote healing. Choices are:
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. Choices are:
The risk of this problem may be lowered by eating a high fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
American College of Gastroenterology
http://patients.gi.org
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
https://www.fascrs.org
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org
Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
http://cscrs.ca
Anal fissure. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anal-fissure. Accessed March 16, 2021.
Anal fissure. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://fascrs.org/videos/anal-fissure. Accessed March 16, 2021.
Higuero T. Update on the management of anal fissure. J Visc Surg. 2015 Apr;152(2 Suppl):S37-43.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 03/16/2021
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