Anal fissures own a reputation as some of the most painful ailments in medicine. In their severe form, these tears in the skin around the anus can create agony both during and after bowel movements, including pain that lingers for hours in between.

Fissures are usually caused by straining during defecation, either because stools are impacted or simply too hard. Anal fissures may also be caused by frequent loose stools or diarrhea.  Although a fissure may initially present like hemorrhoids, with bright red blood in the toilet, generally one can distinguish fissures by their telltale searing pain both during and after a bowel movement.

However, severe anal pain with a bowel movement is a serious condition and must be evaluated by a specialist Proctologic Surgeon to make certain other more serious conditions are not present such as an anal abscess or anal cancer. All anal and rectal pain must be taken seriously and not dismissed as merely a hemorrhoid.

Treating anal fissures effectively requires a good understanding of the anatomy involved, as well as advanced training in proctologic surgery techniques. Non surgical treatments include diet modifications as well as ointment and suppositories.  Surgical options can range from dilation to sphincterotomy, and may involve a few weeks’ of healing time.

The good news is that anal fissures are treatable, and are rarely a harbinger of future ailments such as anal dysplasia or anal cancer. To speak with an expert proctologist, contact the Los Angeles and Orange County Proctology Institute today and be seen in one of our offices in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.