Anal Fissure
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.
An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the tissue inside your anus. An anal fissure may be acute or chronic. An acute anal fissure is usually small and shallow and often heals without treatment. A chronic fissure may last longer than a month and will usually need treatment. A chronic anal fissure comes back after treatment.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Medicines:
You may be given the following medicines:
- Stool softeners help make your bowel movements softer. This helps prevent constipation. You will be less likely to strain and cause an anal fissure if you are not constipated.
- Topical medicines may be given to help your anal muscle relax or to increase blood flow to your anus.
- Botulinum toxin is given as a shot into the skin around your anus. It helps your anal muscle relax.
- Pain medicine may be needed. Do not wait until your pain is severe to ask for more medicine.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Surgery
may be needed if other treatments do not work. You may also need surgery if your anal fissure is very painful. The most common surgery is called a lateral internal sphincterotomy. A small part of your anal muscle is cut to help relax your anal muscle and decrease your pain. A fissurectomy may be used to remove all or some of your anal fissure.
RISKS:
Even with treatment, your anal fissure may occur again. Without treatment, your anal fissure may deepen or become infected. You may develop an abnormal opening from your anus to nearby organs. Scar tissue may form in your anus and cause it to become narrow. You may have worse pain during bowel movements.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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