What is an Anal Fissure?
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.
Causes of Anal Fissure
- Constipation
- Frequent passage of stools causing irritation
- Crohn’s disease
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.
Treatment options are usually simple and include lifestyle advice, laxatives and topical creams.
If you think you may have an anal fissure, you can book a consultation with Dr Goel to discuss investigation and treatment options best suited to you.