Anal Fissure
Colon and Rectal Surgeon located in Sacramento and Roseville, CA
An anal fissure is a tear in the delicate anal canal. If you develop an anal fissure that doesn’t respond to self-care, call one of the Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group offices in Sacramento, or Roseville, California. The practice’s highly skilled surgeons have considerable experience performing procedures like partial internal sphincterotomy to resolve anal fissure pain. To benefit from their expertise, contact your nearest office today to arrange an appointment or schedule a consultation online.
Anal fissures are tears in the tissue lining the lower part of the anal opening (the area above the anus that extends a short way into the anal canal). These tears usually result from a hard bowel movement but can also be caused by inflammation in the anal region.
Anal fissure symptoms are primarily anal pain and rectal bleeding, which you might only see on toilet paper after wiping. Anal fissure pain is typically sharp and tearing, varying in intensity from mild to severe. The blood is usually bright red.
Acute anal fissures (a common constipation symptom) last a few days, but chronic anal fissures cause symptoms that persist for more than a month.
Diagnosing an anal fissure is usually straightforward, as your provider can see the tear during a physical exam. If they feel there could be an underlying colorectal problem like Crohn’s disease, they may recommend a colonoscopy to examine the tissues lining your rectum and colon.
Patients can often manage an anal fissure at home with conservative treatments. Sitz warm water baths help cleanse and heal the anal tissues. Topical creams ease spasms and encourage fissure healing.
It’s also vital to address the cause of your anal fissure, which is likely constipation. Using stool softeners, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a high-fiber diet help to relieve constipation and keep your stools soft.
If these treatments aren’t successful, your Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group provider might give you medical Botox® injections to relieve spasming and heal the fissure.
Most people don’t require surgery for an anal fissure. However, if the fissure is long-standing and you’re in severe pain, you might benefit from surgery.
Anal fissure surgery (partial internal sphincterotomy) is an outpatient procedure where your surgeon partially cuts open the internal anal sphincter muscle to relieve the anal spasm. The result is a fast, often dramatic improvement in anal pain. Surgery also helps heal the fissure.
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If you have anal fissure symptoms, call Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group today or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation.