The anal canal is a short tube surrounded by muscle at the end of your rectum. The rectum is the bottom section of your colon large intestine. An anal fissure also called fissure-in-ano is a small rip or tear in the lining of the anal canal. Fissures are common, but are often confused with other anal conditions, such as hemorrhoids. Fissures are usually caused by trauma to the inner lining of the anus from a bowel movement or other stretching of the anal canal.
Anal fissure - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, including a gentle inspection of the anal region. Often the tear is visible. Usually this exam is all that's needed to diagnose an anal fissure. An acute anal fissure looks like a fresh tear, somewhat like a paper cut. A chronic anal fissure likely has a deeper tear, and may have internal or external fleshy growths. A fissure is considered chronic if it lasts more than eight weeks.
An anal fissure is a small tear or ulcer open sore in your skin around the opening of your anus. There are several different types of procedures available, including injections with botulinum toxin, removal of the fissure excision or fissurectomy and sphincterotomy. Your doctor will discuss with you which one is right for you.
Back to Anal fissure. Like other small cuts or tears to the skin, an anal fissure will often heal by itself within a few weeks. Most anal fissures will heal with treatment, although they can happen again easily, particularly if you don't follow the self-help advice outlined below. There are a number of different medicines your GP may recommend to help reduce your symptoms and allow your anal fissure to heal. Adults with an anal fissure will usually be prescribed bulk-forming laxative tablets or granules.