Anal Fissure Surgery, Treatment and Care
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Anal fissures are a common condition that affects many individuals, causing discomfort and pain in the anal area. An anal fissure is a small crack or tear in the skin of your anus (where poo leaves your bottom). An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the skin that lines the anus. These small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus can occur for various reasons, such as constipation, diarrhea, or trauma during childbirth. Although they may seem like a minor inconvenience, anal fissures can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it essential to seek proper medical attention.
An anal fissure can be very uncomfortable, but it will usually heal if you make some changes to your diet and follow some simple treatments. Most anal fissures are caused by injury to the area. This can happen when you pass a hard or large stool (poo). You can also get an rectal fissure after having severe diarrhoea. They affect men and women equally and both the young and the old. Fissures usually cause pain during bowel movements that often is severe. An anal fissure is the most common cause of rectal bleeding in infancy. An anal fissure is a common condition and affects anyone in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Wilton Manor, FL, Oakland Park, FL, Coral Springs, FL, Plantation, FL, Davie, FL and surrounding area of Broward County, Florida regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity.
Anal fissures are caused by injury to the rectal canal from increased pressure. Anal sphincter is under a certain amount of pressure all the time; however, if the pressure builds up too much, it can lead to reduced blood flow in the area and cause muscle spasms that tear the sphincter walls, causing a fissure. The increased pressure and the resulting tears and injuries commonly happen when you’re constipated and struggling to go to the bathroom or when you pass an abnormally large stool. Chronic diarrhea and childbirth can also cause an anal fissure.
According to Astha Bhatt, MD, a Top Doctor, Best Proctologist and Surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Wilton Manor, FL, Oakland Park, FL, Coral Springs, FL, Plantation, FL, Davie, FL and surrounding area of Broward County, Florida changes in your bowel habits can put stress and pressure on your system and increase your risk of developing an anal fissure. There are some things you can do at home to alleviate or prevent a fissure, including following an appropriate anal fissure diet.
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According to Doctor Astha Bhatt located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Wilton Manor, FL, Oakland Park, FL, Coral Springs, FL and surrounding area of Broward County. The symptoms of anal fissure can vary from person to person. The most common signs include pain during bowel movements, bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, itching, and a burning sensation in the anal area. These symptoms can be exacerbated by activities that put strain on the anus, such as sitting for prolonged periods or engaging in vigorous physical activity.
The causes of recal fissures are multifactorial. Chronic constipation, for instance, puts excessive pressure on the anus, leading to the formation of fissures. Similarly, diarrhea can irritate the delicate lining of the anus, making it more prone to tearing. Other causes include anal trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, and sexually transmitted infections. It is important to identify the underlying cause of the fissure to effectively manage and treat the condition.
Anal fissures aren’t associated with more serious diseases, such as bowel cancer, although cancer of the anus may mimic it, Some of the possible complications includes:
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50% of anal fissures will heal with non-surgical therapy after they have been present for more than 3 months. Non-dietary therapies may include stool softeners, fiber supplements, warm baths or sitz baths and regular exercise.
Medications play a vital role in the treatment. Topical ointments or creams that contain ingredients like nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed. These medications work by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to the anal area, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Nitroglycerin ointment, in particular, has shown promising results in healing. It helps to improve blood flow, reduce muscle spasm, and accelerate the healing process. However, it may cause side effects such as headaches and dizziness in some individuals. Calcium channel blockers, on the other hand, help to relax the muscles and relieve pain without significant side effects.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of medication as directed by your healthcare provider. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your doctor for further evaluation and adjustment of your treatment plan.
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Surgery may be recommended in persistent cases of anal fissure where self-help measures and medicine have not helped. When conservative treatments and medications fail to provide relief or if severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. A Surgeon can offer various surgical health care options, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Surgery is often very effective at treating IBD, Crohn’s disease, abnormal Bowel movement, fissures, but it does carry a small risk of complications, such as temporary or permanent loss of bowel control (bowel incontinence).
Lateral internal sphincterotomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure for rectal fissures. It involves making a small incision in the internal anal sphincter muscle to reduce pressure and promote healing. This procedure has shown high success rates in relieving symptoms and allowing the fissure to heal
Externally applied nitroglycerin (Rectiv)
Topical anesthetic creams
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injection
Surgery - lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS)
Smaller and Less Noticeable Scars
Chronic Anal fissure usually heal within a few weeks without the need for treatment. Advancement flap repair is another surgical option for complex or recurrent fissures. It involves using healthy tissue from the rectal or vaginal area to cover the fissure, creating a new, healthy lining. This promotes healing and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Botulinum toxin injections have also gained popularity. The injections help to relax the sphincter muscles, allowing the fissure to heal. This non-invasive approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who wish to avoid surgery or have underlying medical conditions that increase the risks associated with surgical procedures.
Women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries and older patients may have a weak anal sphincter complex, which puts them at a high risk of developing fecal incontinence after surgical treatment or rectal surgery. Such patients should undergo one of the procedures that do not require division of the anal sphincter muscle (eg, botulinum toxin injection, fissurectomy, or anal advancement flap). Other patients who are not at risk of developing fecal incontinence may undergo lateral internal sphincterotomy, which is considered the most effective treatment.
In Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Wilton Manor, FL, Oakland Park, FL, Davie, FL, Plantation, FL, Coral Springs, FL, Margate, FL, Coconut Creek, FL and surrounding area of Broward County, Florida, Dr. Bhatt is a highly regarded Top Proctologist and Surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rectal fissures. With years of experience, more than 4000+ surgical procedure and a dedication to patient care, Dr. Bhatt has helped numerous individuals find relief and healing from their anal fissures.
Dr Astha Bhatt is a General & Colon Rectal Surgeon, She takes a personalized approach to each patient, taking the time to understand their unique circumstances and concerns. She combines her expertise in colorectal surgery with a compassionate bedside manner, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Bhatt mission is to provide personalized excellent care, guidance and service to all patients using the most advanced innovative technologies that are evidence-based.
Dr. Astha Bhatt, MD
Dr Bhatt is a Board Certified General and Colorectal Surgeon, Proctologist based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Deerfield Beach, FL, Wilton Manor, FL, Oakland Park, FL, Davie, FL, Plantation, FL, Coral Springs, FL, Margate, FL, Coconut Creek, FL and surrounding area of Broward County, Florida. Dr. Bhatt provides one of the best comprehensive diagnostic treatments and surgery covering all aspects of Colon Rectal and General Surgery.
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