What Are the Leading Symptoms & Treatments of Anal Fissures or Fistulas

Anal fissures – a relatively common occurrence but is the leading cause of major discomfort. Often fissures tear in the anal canal and heal on their own, and the patient need not undergo any anal fissure repair surgery. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you should schedule an appointment with a skilled colorectal surgeon who can provide you with the suitable anal fissure treatment.

On the other hand, fistulas commonly known as anal abscesses are another very common condition that affects the anus thus causing extreme chronic pain. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, including non-surgical and surgical methods. But before that, it is also very much vital to learn about the symptoms of fissures and fistulas. Thereafter, make sure to take proper treatment before these tears or abbesses become a bigger problem.

Anal fissures and fistulas can be safely and easily treated, as long as patients stay prepared and knowledgeable.

Symptoms and Treatments of Anal Fissures

Anal tears can affect patients of any age. In most of the cases, anal fissures heal by themselves, while in some cases, the patients need the assistance of a colorectal surgeon if the fissures persist. Patients, if they experience severe pain during the bowel movements, itching or irritation around the anus, visible or cracked skin around the anus or blood in the stool or toilet should get in touch with the doctor concerned.

If in case you have been diagnosed with fissures, it is recommended to workout regularly, increase the intake of fluids, eat a fiber rich diet, and avoid straining during bowel movements. Common treatment of fissures includes:

• Medication – This include medicated creams, sitz baths, and fiber supplements. These treatments have 70 percent success rate in healing anal fissures.

• Botox – In the very rare instance, the doctors use botox to treat an anal fissure. This method has an 80 percent success rate for treating fissures.

• Surgery – If the fissure is severe and causes extreme pain, anal fissure repair surgery with a partial sphincterotomy may be the best course of treatment.

Symptoms and Treatments of Anal Fistulas

Anal fistulas are a continuum of abscesses, and are a by-product of the anatomy in the area! The acute manifestation is an abscess which is extremely painful. Often these abscesses result in a fistula, which is a chronic presentation of abscesses because the opening that caused the abscess stays open and feeds the system. Symptoms range from mild drainage to having repeated smaller abscesses.

Although it is not a life threatening condition however, the repeated nature of the fistulas is the main reason why patients seek to get the proper treatment. Depending on the location and severity of the anal abscess or lump, the common treatments are as follows:

• Anal Fistulotomy – In this surgical treatment, the fissures are being opened and forced to heal. It is the most common surgical option to cure fistulas.

• Anal Fistulectomy – This procedure is performed if the surgeons think that the above surgery will not yield any result. The fistulas are completely removed during a fistulectomy and the wound is left to heal.

• Anal LIFT Procedure – This method treats the fistula by securing the closure of the internal opening and removing the infected tissue.

The above mentioned surgical anal fissure treatments are done under the due guidance of experienced surgeons and board-certified practitioners. These advanced treatment options are available at Al Zahara Hospital, which is the largest private general hospital in Dubai that offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment of international standards, and is backed by the latest radiology and laboratory facilities. Our board-certified top surgeons, including Dr. Humaa Darr, Dr. Arun Kanala and Dr. Sadir Alrawi, are highly skilled in anal fissure treatment in Dubai. Our surgeons offer patient-centered care to improve the quality of life and overall health outcomes.