What is Anal Fissure?

A thin, moist tissue called mucosa lines the anus. When this develops a tear, it’s called an anal fissure. When a person passes hard or large stools it can lead to an anal fissure, and cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. The patient may also suffer from spasms in the anal sphincter, that is the ring of muscle at the end of the anus.

If an anal fissure doesn’t heal within eight weeks it’s considered a chronic condition and should be attended to. Patients who have had an anal fissure are more prone to the same problem in the future.

In some cases, the anal fissure may extend into the ring of muscles that holds the anus closed, also called the internal anal sphincter. When this happens it becomes more difficult for the fissure to heal. The patient feels discomfort and requires treatment to reduce the pain and repair thefissure.