Chronic Anal Fissure

Anal fissure, a condition that causes intense and severe pain during bowel movements, refers to tears, cuts, or cracks that occur in the lining of the anus. Anal fissures, which can be seen in people of almost all ages, usually appear in infants and women who have recently given birth. Anal fissures are also more common in people with Crohn's disease. Typical symptoms of chronic anal fissure include discharge, bleeding, itching in the anal area, and pain exacerbated by bowel movements. When dealing with chronic anal fissure, patients should consume fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, use stool softeners, and apply topical creams prescribed by the doctor to the affected area. Sometimes, surgical operations may be necessary for the definitive treatment of anal fissures. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, serving his patients in Adana, explained what chronic anal fissure is and how it is treated for you.

What is Chronic Anal Fissure?

Chronic anal fissure refers to cases of anal fissure that do not respond to treatment despite its application and constantly recur. Unlike acute anal fissure cases, which can generally heal on their own, chronic anal fissure cases may require more aggressive treatment applications. The symptoms caused by chronic anal fissure are similar to the symptoms of acute anal fissure. It can cause pain, discharge, itching, and bleeding in the anal area during bowel movements.

Treatment methods applied for chronic anal fissure cases include hot water sitz baths, topical creams, and botox treatment to relax the sphincter muscles. In severe cases, surgical operations may be necessary. If you are experiencing a chronic anal fissure problem, you must seek medical help.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Anal Fissure?

The symptoms of chronic anal fissure are similar to acute anal fissure symptoms. However, they are more aggressive and longer-lasting. The most common and typical symptom is severe pain triggered during bowel movements, which can last for hours and days. Patients often describe this pain as a burning and tearing sensation. The intensity of the pain can be so severe that it can lead to anxiety disorders and fear of defecation in the patient.

Among the symptoms of chronic anal fissure, discharge from the anus, itching, and bleeding in the anal area can also be listed. Sometimes, chronic anal fissure can cause muscle spasms in the person. This can lead to difficulty during defecation and constipation.

Does Chronic Anal Fissure Heal?

Chronic anal fissure cases are tears or cuts in the lining of the anus that persist for longer than eight weeks. While acute anal fissures can heal spontaneously, the likelihood of chronic fissures healing without professional treatment is extremely low.

Sometimes, the doctor may also consider non-surgical treatment options. However, we must state that spontaneous healing in chronic anal fissure cases is very, very rare. Therefore, surgical intervention, which is the definitive treatment method for chronic fissures, is resorted to.

Chronic Anal Fissure Treatment

In addition to healthy dietary changes, other treatment methods can be applied for chronic anal fissure complaints. Nevertheless, people with fissures in the anal area should consume fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of fluids, protect themselves from constipation, and use stool softeners. Increased fluid intake promotes bowel movements.

In some cases, botox injections may be used to relax the anal sphincter muscles. If healing cannot be achieved with non-surgical treatment options, surgery may be performed to repair the fissure. Surgically, the muscle may be cut to allow stool to pass more easily, or the fissure may be completely removed. Especially in cases of chronic anal fissure, since there is no possibility of spontaneous healing, medical support must be sought, and a doctor should be consulted.