Located at the end of rectum, anal canal is basically a short tube which is surrounded by muscle. Rectum is the last section of the large intestine. Anal fissures are small tears or rips within the lining of anal canal. Although fissures are quite common, they are often confused with other anal conditions like hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are responsible for 6 to 15 percent of colorectal problems requiring visits to doctors.
Here are some FAQs by people suffering from piles.
1. What causes fissures?
Most often fissures are caused due to trauma within the inner lining of anus. This is because of bowel movement or stretching of anal canal caused by hard, dry or loose stools. Moreover, people suffering from chronic constipation & having a tight anal sphincter muscle are more likely to develop fissures. Other less common causes of fissures include anal infections, tumors & inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
2. How do doctors diagnose fissures?
Doctors usually perform a digital rectal examination for diagnosing fissures. This involves inserting a gloved finger or in some cases an anoscope is inserted to inspect the anal canal. Or, if this is too painful for the patient doctors may diagnose anal fissures merely by observation.
3. How long will fissures take to heal?
Short-term anal fissures usually heal with home treatments within 4 – 6 weeks time. It just takes a couple of days for pain to go away during bowel movement. However, there are many steps one can take for relieving symptoms & to help fissures heal, including preventing constipation.
4. How long will it take to recover from fissure surgery?
Most people undergoing open surgery are able to get back to work & normal routine within 5 to 7 days after the operation. However, with laser treatment, one can go to work within a day or two. Relaxing in a warm sitz bath after bowel movements is also very helpful. Nevertheless, it will take about 6 weeks of time for the fissure to completely heal following surgery.
5. Can fissures be cured without surgery?
Only acute fissures can heal without surgery, only if followed with proper diet. But a Chronic anal fissure which persist despite other types of treatments, usually require either open surgery or laser treatment.
Surgery as treatment for anal fissures generally involves cutting a tiny portion of the internal anal sphincter muscle. This is typically performed for reducing pain & spasms alongside promoting healing.
6. What is the difference between fissures & fistula?
While anal fissures involve tearing of skin near anus, anal fistulas are development of tube like passages between the anal canal or inner rectum & outer skin of anus. Even a single inflammatory tract can develop into more complicated anal fistula if it is left untreated. This is especially so when the tract actually branches off into multiple openings.
7. What is the difference between fissures & hemorrhoids?
Anal fissures & hemorrhoids are actually interlinked. Chronic anal fissures will lead to formation of hemorrhoids. While fissure is a tear of tissue within the anal canal, hemorrhoids are caused due to weakening of tissue in lower rectum region. This in turn blows up the mucosa & skin like a tiny balloon & fills it up with blood.
8. What foods are best to eat while having fissures?
Fiber rich Foods good for fissure patients like fresh fruits, raw vegetables, leafy vegetables, wheat bran, oat bran, whole-grain pastas, cereals & breads, oatmeal, brown rice, peas & beans.
9. Is laser treatment the best option for fissures?
While there are a variety of treatment options for anal fissures, including conservative treatments & open surgery, laser treatment at Laser Piles Clinics in Hyderabad is an excellent option which does not involve any incisions, stitches or complications.
Most patients undergoing laser treatment for anal fissures with us walk out within few hours. Laser Piles Clinics in Hyderabad by now have treated numerous patients like you suffering from chronic anal fissures with almost 100% success.
Schedule an appointment today. Call us: 910 850 3674, Email: support@laserpiles.com
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