An anal fissure is a gash or tears in your anus's thin, fragile lining.
The rip
frequently exposes the anal sphincter, a muscle surrounding the anus. The
injury might cause that muscle to spasm, further separating the margins of the
fissure. Spasms can be painful and hinder the healing process. Bowel motions
can also prevent the cracks from healing.
An anal
fissure is considered acute if it cures within 6 weeks. If it has been more
than 6 weeks or returns frequently, it is called chronic, says the best cancer surgeon in Kolkata.
Diagnosis
Your doctor
will most likely inquire about your medical history and do a mild examination
of the anal area. The rip is typically easily noticeable. This exam is usually
all that is required to identify an anal fissure.
An acute
anal fissure resembles a new rip, similar to a paper cut. A chronic anal
fissure is more likely to develop a more profound tear and internal or external
fleshy growths, says the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.
A fissure on
the opening side of the anus is more likely to indicate another ailment, such
as Crohn's disease. If your doctor suspects you have an underlying disease,
they may suugest additional testing, such as:
• Anoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
•
Colonoscopy
Treatment
Anal
fissures usually heal in a few weeks if you take precautions to keep your stool
soft, such as increasing your fibre and hydration intake. Soaking for 10 to 20
minutes a day in warm water, particularly after bowel movements, can help relax
the sphincter and encourage healing, says the onco surgeon in Kolkata.
If your symptoms persist, you will most likely require more therapy.
Nonsurgical therapies
Typical
therapies that doctors recommend in this condition are:
•
Nitroglycerin, administered externally, can enhance blood flow to the fissure,
facilitate healing and relax the anal sphincter. Nitroglycerin is often
regarded as the medical therapy of choice when other conservative measures
fail. Headaches, which can be severe, are possible side effects.
• For pain
management, topical anaesthetic creams can be helpful.
• Injection
of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) to ease spasms.
Surgery
If you have a persistent anal fissure that has not responded to conventional treatments, or if your symptoms are severe, your doctor can recommend surgery. Doctors typically conduct a lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) treatment, which involves extracting a tiny piece of the anal sphincter muscle to relieve spasms and discomfort and boost recovery.
According to studies, surgery is far more useful than medication treatment for persistent fissures. However, there is a slight possibility that surgery will result in incontinence, says the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.
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