Anal Fissure Treatments

Treatment

Treatment aims to heal the cut and prevent future anal problems. About half of all fissures heal on their own or with self-care. Fissures that are fairly new are easier to heal than ones that have persisted for longer than three months.

Treatments include:

Self-care

To promote healing:

Avoid hard, dry stools:
- Drink at least eight, 8-oz glasses of water daily.
- Eat more fiber, strive for 20-35 grams per day.
- Take stool softeners or bulk laxatives as directed by your doctor.
Exercise regularly.
Apply a medicated cream or ointment as directed by your doctor.
• Use sitz bath. Soak the anal area in warm tap water for 10-20 minutes several times daily, especially after a bowel movement. This helps to relieve pain and promote blood circulation.

Surgery

Some fissures may need surgery. Fissures may not heal by themselves or you may have repeated ones. Scar tissue or spasms in the sphincter muscle, which closes and opens the anus, may also delay healing.

There are several surgical options. The most common surgery is called lateral internal sphincterotomy. During this procedure, the doctor will make a tiny incision and divide certain fibers of the sphincter muscle. This will prevent the muscle spasms that lead to straining with a bowel movement.

If you are diagnosed with an anal fissure, follow your doctor's instructions .