The anus is the final component of the digestive tract and it is covered in contracting muscles that control stool removal. An anal fissure is basically a tear in the lining of the tissue in the anus and it is linked with bleeding and pain during bowel movements. This could happen to just about anyone but it more commonly happens to infants.
Anal fissure London can be caused by injury or trauma to the anal canal caused from constipation, during the passage of large or hard stools, childbirth or straining during bowel movements. It can independently occur or come about as a result of other conditions such as HIV, chronic diarrhea, tuberculosis, anal cancer, herpes and syphilis. Sometimes, too much stress on the rings or two muscular sphincters that regulate the anus can lower blood supply and result in the development of anal fissures.
Anal fissure London can be chronic or acute, depending on their severity. Additionally, anal fissures can be shallow or superficial, making them difficult to detect. As such, the visual inspection might not always suffice. For the majority of patients, anal fissures heal on their own in weeks or just a few days. However, in cases where it does not heal for up to 6 weeks, surgery or medical treatment may be suggested.
Anal Fissures Treatments
The treatment measure adopted would depend on the nature of the fissure, that is if it is chronic, lasting in excess of 6 weeks, or acute, lasting more than a few days. To soften the stool, home remedies like increasing fluids and fiber intake is highly recommended. Foods with a high content of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, oats, and brown rice, can assist in healing anal fissures in a matter of weeks.
In addition, your doctor may recommend soaking the anus for 10 to 20 minutes in warm water as frequently as possible. This should be done, particularly following bowel movements, to reduce the stress and relax the sphincter muscles. Topical applications like steroid creams and Botox injections might be recommended to reduce discomfort, relax the sphincter muscles and improve blood circulation.
Typically, surgery is the last resort if other treatments do not accomplish the required relief. The surgical processes include:
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy
This surgery lowers spasm and pain by taking out a small part of the anal sphincter muscle.
Fissurectomy
This surgery removes the anal fissure and is more commonly used in in children.
