An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus (bottom hole). It affects many people in the general population and can be quite painful. On occasion, the fissure can bleed leading to visible blood in the stools.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus (bottom hole). It affects many people in the general population and can be quite painful. On occasion, the fissure can bleed leading to visible blood in the stools.
Anal fissures can often be diagnosed with clinical examination. If presenting with rectal bleeding, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually required to check for any serious bowel disease (e.g. Cancer) and diagnose the fissure.
© R Goel