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Anal fissure

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

• Stool softeners
• Dietary adjustment (addition of bulk -- substances that absorb water while in the intestinal tract)
• Cleansing more gently
• Petroleum jelly
• Sitz bath
• Anesthetic ointment, if pain interferes with normal bowel movement
• Topical muscle relaxants

These measures generally heal more than 90% of anal fissures.

For fissures that do not heal with these home treatments, injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter may be used to temporarily paralyze the anal sphincter muscle and promote healing. Another option for nonhealing fissures is a minor surgical procedure to relax the sphincter.

Expectations (prognosis):

Anal fissures generally heal quickly without residual problems. However, people who develop fissures are more likely to have them in the future.

Complications:

Occasionally, a fissure becomes chronic and will not heal. Chronic fissures may require minor surgery to relax the sphincter.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms associated with anal fissure are present, or if the fissure does not heal appropriately with treatment.

• Review Date: 7/14/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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