Anal Fissure (Anal Tearing)

An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the lining of the anus. It is a common condition that rarely leads to more serious conditions. In many cases, anal fissures will go away with simple home remedies after several weeks. When anal fissures persist, it may be necessary to see a professional for treatment. At the Colorectal Center, our board certified colorectal specialists understand the uncomfortable and delicate nature of colorectal issues, and are ready to help with anything you may need.

Anal fissure symptoms

An anal fissure, or tear, is usually easy to detect, and rarely requires a professional diagnosis. However, some of the symptoms below may indicate other conditions. For this reason, if you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, it is wise to consult the colorectal specialists at the Colorectal Center Los Angeles. This way you can gain certainty regarding your condition, allowing you to move forward with the correct treatment.

Anal fissure symptoms include:

• Severe pain during bowel movements
• Pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours
• Bright red blood during bowel movements
• Irritation or itching around the anus
• A visible tear on the anus

Anal fissure causes

An anal fissure is usually caused by straining or stress placed upon the anus and rarely indicates a more serious condition. Despite this, we still recommend a professional diagnosis so there are no doubts. Possible causes of anal fissures include:

• Passing a large or hard stool
• Continuous diarrhea
• Childbirth
• Heavy straining during bowel movements
• Constipation
• Anal fissures may also be caused by an inflammatory condition of the bowels, such as Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis

Anal fissure treatment

Because anal fissures are a surface condition, they rarely require surgery. In most cases, patients can eat food to soften their stool and the fissure will heal on its own in several weeks. Additionally, most pharmacies sell over the counter creams that help soothe and heal the fissure. In general, lack of strain or vigorous pressure is enough to cause the fissure to abate.

At the Colorectal Center Los Angeles, we offer non-surgical in-office treatment if the above home remedies are not working. Such treatment options include:

• Steroid cream to relieve discomfort
• BOTOX injections to reduce muscle activity of the sphincter
• Blood pressure medications to help relax the sphincter

For chronic anal fissures, surgery may be necessary to provide relief. In this case, the surgery involves removing a small part of the anal sphincter to reduce muscle activity or spasms. By doing so, the patient no longer experiences painful muscle straining that can cause a fissure to persist. If you need this surgical option, the experts at the Colorectal Center Los Angeles have years of experience dealing with anal fissures. Their compassionate and effective care may be exactly what you need to find relief from anal fissures. If you have any questions or would like to set an appointment, please call our office today.