What happens during your appointment?
During your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your family history and the symptoms you are experiencing. This will also include discussing your toilet habits. A physical examination will be conducted of the site to confirm an anal fissure. If the area is too painful or sensitive, the examination can be performed under anaesthetic.
Treatment options
In most cases of anal fissure, surgery is not required. Based on the severity of the condition, your consultant will discuss with you a treatment plan best suited for you.
What causes anal fissure?
Anal fissure is most commonly caused due to constipation, when a hard or large poo tears the lining of the anus or the anal canal. There are however other causes that can lead to anal fissure:
- childbirth or pregnancy
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease
- a tight sphincter muscle
- STIs like syphilis, herpes
- engaging in anal sex
- diarrhoea
What are the symptoms you may have?
If you do have anal fissure, you may experience some or all of the following in the anal area:
- severe pain when you poo
- blood on your stools or on your toilet paper
- a visible skin tear
- burning and itching
Meet the team
Learn more about our team of consultant colorectal surgeons and the rest of your care team.
