An anal fissure is a tear or split in the lining of the anus. Fissures are commonly associated with hard stools and constipation and cause spasm of the internal anal muscles. Spasm impairs blood flow and preventshealing.
Anal fissures may cause severe pain with bowel motions, aching, bright red bleeding, itching or a lump.
Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes (including change in diet, pain relief and stool softeners) and reducing sphincter pressure by medications or surgery. There are a number of choices for reducing sphincter pressure and what is right for you is why individualised assessment is important.
