Fissure

A small tear in the moist, thin tissue that lines the anus is called an anal fissure. The muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract where stools leave the body is called the anus. Constipation and straining or passing large or hard stools during a bowel movement are two common causes of an anal fissure. With bowel movements, anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding. Spasms in the anal sphincter—a ring of muscle at the end of your anus—may also occur.

Anal fissures can occur at any age, but they are most common in young infants. The majority of anal fissures improve with simple treatments like eating more fiber or taking a warm water bath. Anal fissure patients may require medication or, in rare cases, surgery.

Fissure in Ano: An In-Depth Exploration

Fissure in ano, commonly referred to as an anal fissure, is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal that can lead to significant discomfort and bleeding. This medical condition, while often distressing, is fairly common and affects individuals across a wide age range. The primary symptom associated with an anal fissure is pain during and after bowel movements, often accompanied by bright red bleeding. Understanding the causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventative measures can greatly assist those affected in managing and overcoming this condition.

Symptoms of Fissure in Ano

The most prevalent symptom of an anal fissure is a sharp pain during bowel movements, which can persist for several hours afterwards. Other notable symptoms include visible blood on the stool or toilet paper, a burning sensation or itchiness around the anus, and in some cases, a visible tear or crack near the anus. Chronic fissures might also present with a small external lump or tag near the anal verge, known as a sentinel pile, indicating underlying issues that require medical attention.

Types of Fissure in Ano

Anal fissures can be classified into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute fissures are those that have occurred recently and typically heal within a few days to weeks with proper care. Conversely, chronic fissures are characterized by their persistence for more than six weeks, often failing to heal without intervention due to underlying issues such as increased sphincter tone leading to decreased blood flow to the area.

Causes of Fissure in Ano

The primary cause of an anal fissure is trauma to the anal canal, which can result from passing hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Other contributing factors include chronic diarrhea, anal sex, or childbirth. Conditions that affect the bowel and result in inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also predispose individuals to developing fissures. In some cases, no clear cause is identified, which necessitates a thorough examination to rule out other potential conditions.

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis of an anal fissure is primarily clinical, based on the patient’s history and a physical examination. A visual inspection of the anus usually suffices, but if the diagnosis is uncertain, or if treatments fail to resolve the fissure, further examinations may be required. These can include an anoscopy, where a small tube is used to examine the inside of the anal canal, or a sigmoidoscopy to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases.

Treatment Options

Treatment for anal fissures typically begins with conservative measures aimed at softening the stool and reducing strain during bowel movements. High-fiber diets, increased fluid intake, and stool softeners are often effective first steps. Topical treatments such as nitroglycerin ointment or calcium channel blockers can aid in healing by increasing blood flow to the area and reducing sphincter pressure. For chronic fissures that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options like lateral internal sphincterotomy are considered to reduce sphincter pressure and facilitate healing.

Anal fissures Ayurvedic treatment

Ayurvedic treatment focus on the root cause of disease. Focus is on aahar and vihaar that includes dietary recommendations and lifestyle adjustments. Alongwith this herbal medicines are given orally and for local application in anal fissures.  It relives most of the patient, if in some cases symptoms still persist then kshar karma and kshar sutra para surgical procedure are done. Ayurvedic treatments is having very high success rate in treating anal fissures that is without any complications.  

Preventive Measures

To prevent the occurrence or recurrence of an anal fissure, adopting lifestyle and dietary changes to ensure soft, regular bowel movements is essential. This includes consuming a diet rich in fiber, staying well-hydrated, practicing good toilet habits such as avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet, and regular exercise to promote bowel regularity. For individuals with recurring issues, it may be beneficial to routinely use stool softeners or fiber supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

In summary, while fissure in ano can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, understanding its symptoms, types, causes, and available treatments can empower affected individuals to seek the appropriate care. With a combination of medical treatment and preventive measures, most can find relief and avoid future occurrences of this distressing condition.

If your are looking for anal fissure treatment that is free from complications and side effects then you can reach us at Arogyam Piles Clinic and Research Center, located in Mohali, Chandigarh.  Arogyam Piles Clinic is known for its Research based authentic ayurvedic treatment in anorectal diseases. To schedule an appointment with us you can visit our official website www.arogyampilesclinic.com or call +91 96467 64444

Q.What is fissure (फिशर)

Ans: An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the tissue of anal opening. Fissure in ano is observed in all age group but it is more common in middle aged adults. The posterior midline of anus is the most common site for fissure due to low blood supply in this area. Anal fissure can be diveded into primary and secondary anal fissures based on etiology; Posterior and anterior fissures based on location and acute and chronic anal fissures based on the duration of symptoms.

• Claasified into two subtypes according to causative factors (Etiology):-

1. Primary anal fissure- caused due to local trauma such as hard stools, prolonged diarrhea, vaginal delivery, repetitive injury or penetration. These are usually posterior and anterior in location.
2. Secondary anal fissure- caused due to previous surgical procedures in anal area, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, they are usually multiple and lateral in position.

• Anal fissure may be classified into several types based on location:-

1. Posterior anal fissures- it is most common found in 90% cases, it lies at 6 o’clock position when patient examined in lithotomy position.
2. Anterior anal fissures- it is second commonest fissure found in 10% cases, it lies at 12 o’clock position when patient examined in lithotomy position.
3. Lateral anal fissure- lateral fissure is less common causative factors are secondary like previous surgical procedures in anal area, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, HIV/AIDS, syphilis.

• Based on duration of symptoms, an anal fissure may be classified as either acute or chronic fissure.

1. Acute anal fissure- an acute fissure looks like a fresh tear somewhat like a paper cut. It of lesser duration i.e. 4 weeks.
2. Chronic anal fissure- typically occurs in the midline with visible sphincter fibers at the fissure base, anal papillae, sentinel piles and indurate margins. In chronic fissure there is cycles of pain and recovery for several times.

Q. What are the symptoms of fissure?

Ans: If person having one or more of the following symptoms he maybe be suffering from fissure :-
• Pain While making bowel movement there sharp pain like knife cut.
• Itching in anal region. • Discomfort while sitting .
• Bleeding while passing stool, it is not there in all patient. Blood is noticed on stool surface like a strip or post defecation there is bleeding sometime noticed on toilet paper while cleaning.

Q. What are the causes of fissue?

Ans: Most common cause is CONSTIPATION. Chronic constipation due to any reason (such as habitual, drug induced , irregular meals or irregular bowels habits) leads to recurring abrasion or forcefully rubbing of anal mucosa which leads to fissure. Other causes – chronic diarrhea, multiple pregnencies, chronoic use of laxatives, or any surgical procedure performed in anal canal may cause fissure.

Q. What one should do to prevent fissure?

Ans: One should take following measures to prevent fissure. Eat balance diet :- Passing large, hard, or dry feces might create an anal fissure if you are constipated. Constipation can be avoided by having a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, do not cut out all fat from your diet; fat and oil are good lubricants that keep your digestive system running smoothly. Remember to drink sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated. Exercise :-Lack of physical activity can cause constipation. To keep your digestive system working and in good shape, exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Aim for 150 minutes each week or more. Don't ignore your need to go:-If your body tells you that it is time for a bowel movement, don't put it off. Waiting too long or too often causes these signals to weaken. The longer you keep it in, the dryer and harder it becomes, making it more difficult to pass. Follow healthy bowel habits:-You can ease constipation and pressure on the anal canal with these suggestions. Follow these methods regularly to reduce your chances of developing a painful anal fissure:
• Allow ample time to pass bowel movements comfortably when using the restroom. However, don't stay on the commode for too long.
• When passing stools, don't strain.
• Keep the anal region dry.
• After each bowel movement, gently clean yourself.
• If you are suffering from persistent diarrhea, seek medical help.

Q. How fissure is diagnosed?

Ans: diagnosis will include medical history and local examination by your doctor.

Q. What are the Treatment options available for fissure?

Ans: Acute fissure ( fissure of less duration ~ 1 month old ) can be cured by medication and modified of diet. But if fissure is chronic I.e. more older then surgery like fissurectomy or lateral sphincterectomy are performed in allopathy. Some doctor perform lord’s dilatation (anal stretch to paralize anal sphincter muscles temporarily) or locally botox injection are given. In all these procedure patient require bedrest, hopitalization, spinal or general anaesthesia and lot of medication. At Arogyam piles clinic and research centre most of the fissure patinet are manged with ayurvedic medicine and diet modification but in some chronic fissure patient we perform non surgical procedure for the Treatment of chronic fissure I.e. ksharkarma. In this procedure medicinal plants extract -alkaline paste is applied on anal fissure and it heals simultaneously. No need of hospitalization, no need of spinal or general anaesthesia, no cut, no blood loss and patient can resume his routine activity from next day.

Q. If fissure left untreated what are complications

Ans: If fissure left untreated for longer time it get infected and for that major intervention required and some time untreated fissure lead to cancer. So consult your doctor as soon as possible.