Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a painful tear in the anal lining, often caused by hard stools. Our minimally invasive laser treatment promotes rapid healing and prevents recurrence.
Overview
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the thin, moist lining (mucosa) of the anal canal. It typically causes sharp, burning pain during and after bowel movements, along with spotting of bright red blood. Most acute fissures heal with conservative treatment within a few weeks, but chronic fissures (lasting over 6 weeks) often require intervention.
Laser sphincterotomy (LIS) is the gold standard for chronic fissures. The laser relaxes the overly tight anal sphincter muscle, improving blood flow to the tear and allowing it to heal naturally. It's a 15-minute procedure with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.
Causes
- Passing large, hard stools (constipation)
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Childbirth-related trauma
- Anal intercourse
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease)
- Overly tight anal sphincter (hypertonia)
Symptoms
- Sharp, burning pain during bowel movements — often described as 'passing glass'
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or stool surface
- Visible tear or crack in the skin around the anus
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Spasms of the anal sphincter lasting hours after a bowel movement
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection — gently separating the buttocks reveals the fissure
- Digital rectal examination — may be deferred if too painful
- Anoscopy — examines the anal canal in detail
- Colonoscopy — if inflammatory bowel disease is suspected
Treatment Options
Laser Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS)
Laser precisely relaxes the tight sphincter muscle. 95%+ healing rate with minimal incontinence risk.
Medical management
Stool softeners, sitz baths, topical nitroglycerin or calcium channel blocker ointments for acute fissures.
Botox injection
Temporarily paralyses the sphincter to reduce spasm and promote healing. Lasts 3-4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I become incontinent after fissure surgery?
With laser LIS, the risk of permanent incontinence is under 1%. The laser is extremely precise, targeting only the tight portion of the muscle.
How long does a fissure take to heal?
Acute fissures heal in 2-4 weeks with conservative care. Post-laser LIS, the fissure typically heals completely within 4-6 weeks.
Ready to Discuss Your Treatment?
Our anal fissure specialists in Kondapur are here to help. Most consultations available within 24 hours.