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Anal Fissure

Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford Our Services Anal Fissure

Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford

Colon and Rectal Surgeons located in Bloomfield, CT & South Windsor, CT

Razor-blade-like pain during a bowel movement may indicate you have an anal fissure, which is an ulceration in the thin mucosal tissue in your anal canal. Anal fissures may be slow to heal, leading to ongoing pain and discomfort. The skilled team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford, which has locations in Bloomfield and South Windsor, Connecticut, offers treatments for an anal fissure to alleviate your rectal pain and support healing of the delicate tissue. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Anal Fissure Q & A

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is an acute or chronic linear ulceration that develops in your anal canal. They often occur after passing a large or hard stool and may cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. 

Anal fissures are common in infants but can affect anyone at any age. You may be at risk of developing an anal fissure if you suffer from constipation or have Crohn’s disease. You may also develop ulceration after childbirth or if you engage in anal intercourse. 

What are anal fissure complications?

Anal fissures usually heal within two weeks of at-home care, but not all anal fissures heal quickly. If your tissue ulceration takes eight weeks or longer to heal, then your condition is considered chronic, and medical intervention from Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford is needed.

Once you develop an anal fissure, your risk of a recurrence increases. Your tear may also affect the sphincter muscles that keep your anus closed, which may lead to muscle spasms and pain.

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Many patients with an anal fissure complain of razor-blade-like pain during a bowel movement that may last several hours afterward. You may also experience rectal bleeding or bright red blood in your stool with an anal fissure.

You may notice a crack in the delicate tissue, as well as develop skin tags or lumps around your anal fissure.

How are anal fissures treated?

The skilled colon and rectal surgeons at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford can develop individualized treatment plans for anal fissures based on the severity of your ulceration, your symptoms, and your medical history. 

The team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford initially takes a conservative medical approach, which may include:

  • Sitz baths
  • Fiber supplements
  • Topical nitroglycerin to increase blood flow to the tissue to promote healing
  • Nifedipine preparations are used to relax the anal sphincter muscle to limit straining

If conservative measures fail to heal your anal fissure or your anal fissure is severe, your provider may suggest surgery to remove a small portion of the anal sphincter to stop muscle spasms and pain. They may also recommend surgery if you suffer from chronic anal fissures.

For a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan from a surgeon that takes a holistic approach to care, contact Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford by phone or request an appointment online today.

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