Conditions / Anal Fissure
An anal fissure — sometimes called an anal tear — is a thin tear in the lining of the anal canal. The information below offers a general overview; a definitive assessment requires an examination.
An anal fissure is a tear in the tissue lining the anal canal and is one of the more common proctological conditions.
Recent fissures and long-standing ones can behave differently. The severity and duration of symptoms vary from person to person.
Symptoms that may be associated with an anal fissure vary from person to person. The most commonly reported include:
Having these symptoms does not on its own mean you have an anal fissure; they can also have other causes.
Factors commonly associated with anal fissures include constipation, hard stools, prolonged straining and extended bouts of diarrhea.
Sudden changes in bowel habits are also frequently seen alongside this condition.
Having these factors does not mean the condition will develop; they are simply commonly observed associations.
Assessing a suspected anal fissure involves listening to what the patient describes, followed by an appropriate examination. Assessment is the first step in determining the right approach.
There is no single standard treatment for anal fissures. For some patients, adjusting bowel habits comes first, while for others different approaches may be considered.
The appropriate approach is determined individually, after an examination and clinical assessment.
Bowel habits and diet can play a supportive role in managing an anal fissure. For suitable patients, this can be planned with the support of a dietitian.
In some patients, symptoms may ease over time, but this is not the case for everyone. If symptoms persist or recur, an assessment is important.
No. They are different conditions, but they can cause similar symptoms and may even occur together in the same patient. An examination makes the distinction.
No. The treatment approach depends on the patient's condition; surgery is considered only in cases where it is deemed appropriate.
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