What should I do if anal fissures keep recurring?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Repeated episodes of anal fissure generally result in the formation of chronic anal fissures. The fissure in chronic anal fissures mainly presents as an ulcer surface, and because the fissure is enclosed within the local sphincter muscles, drainage is poor, thus reducing the likelihood of healing.

When patients with anal fissures suffer from long-term recurrent episodes, they also experience spasms of the local anal sphincter and tightening of the anal canal, which can lead to difficulties in bowel movements and dry stools in the anal region. When the spasm of the local anal sphincter worsens, the pain may cause patients to be afraid of defecating voluntarily, thereby creating a vicious cycle of recurrent episodes. The best treatment for recurrent chronic anal fissures is surgical intervention.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 13sec home-news-image

The differences between stages one, two, and three of anal fissures.

In clinical practice, anal fissures are not categorized into stages one, two, or three; they are primarily classified as either acute or chronic anal fissures. Acute anal fissures, which occur in the early stages of the condition, are characterized by pain during defecation and minor bleeding. For such cases, the pain usually doesn’t last long, and conservative treatment with medication can be chosen. Topical applications such as dragon's pearl ointment or nitroglycerin ointment are generally used. It is also important to keep the anal region dry and clean, perhaps by using anal washes for sitz baths, while ensuring that the stool is soft to maintain smooth bowel movements. Chronic anal fissures, on the other hand, are mainly due to the development of scars on the ulcer surface. This condition involves prolonged pain and may include some narrowing of the anus. In such cases, surgical excision of the fissure may be necessary. Post-surgery treatment may include changing dressings with medications like red oil gauze strips, golden ointment, and anal washes. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 40sec home-news-image

What medicine is used for anal fissures?

So, what medications can patients with anal fissures use routinely? If an anal fissure occurs, during the early stages when the fissure is new, we can use ointments such as Dragon Pearl Ointment, Jiu Hua Ointment, Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, and Ganthai Ointment, which are hemorrhoid ointments that remove decay and promote tissue regeneration, to facilitate the healing of the wound. After defecating, we can use traditional Chinese medicine pain relievers like Shen Soup or a potassium permanganate solution for cleansing. After cleaning, we should also use some hemorrhoid suppositories for insertion into the anus, which can be used 1-2 times daily. Additionally, oral medications should be taken to lubricate the intestines and aid bowel movements. For example, liquid paraffin, hemp seed pills, hemp seed capsules, and polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder (solution), etc., to soften the stool and improve bowel conditions. If there is severe pain during or after bowel movements due to the anal fissure, local anesthesia like ropivacaine can be used at the Changqiang acupoint for a prolonged pain relief, and long-lasting pain relievers can also be injected at the base of the fissure to relieve pain during defecation. Considering the individual differences of patients, the specific medications, dosages, and precautions should be followed. It is crucial for patients to consult a doctor before using any medications to prevent misuse of drugs.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 15sec home-news-image

Is anal fissure serious?

People often ask whether anal fissures are serious and what the consequences might be if they are not treated. Although treating anal fissures is not particularly difficult clinically, many patients, due to a lack of treatment knowledge and awareness of the condition, often delay treatment, which can cause some harm to their health. If an anal fissure is not treated, in addition to the pain during bowel movements and bleeding that the fissure itself causes, over time, it could also lead to conditions such as anal fistula and hypertrophied anal papillae. At the end of the fissure, a sentinel pile may develop. Due to the repeated irritation by fecal matter in an inflamed fissure, a linear ulcer may form. The skin and subcutaneous tissue around the anus might undergo fibrosis, thickening, or. form a hard lump. If the fissure repeatedly becomes infected, it can lead to the development of an anal sinus, and after infection, it may cause subcutaneous fistulas or abscesses. Of course, if an anal fissure persists over time, due to long-term spasm and fibrosis of the internal sphincter, it can lead to consequences such as anal stenosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 1sec home-news-image

What is an anal fissure?

What is an anal fissure? In clinical practice, we often encounter patients asking this question. An anal fissure is a crack in the skin around the anal canal; simply put, it is a split in the skin at the anus. The direction of the split aligns with the direction of the anal skin's folds. Of course, not all cracks in the anal skin are called anal fissures. It is only considered an anal fissure if there is a full-thickness split in the skin at the anus. If it is a superficial skin split, it is referred to as an anal skin laceration or fissuring, such as those caused by certain anal itching diseases, which are in fact fissures in the anal skin. Anal fissures commonly occur at the “anterior and posterior midline” of the anus, which is similar to the directions of 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock as described on a clock face. Doctors often describe these as positions at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
55sec home-news-image

How to treat postpartum constipation and anal fissures?

In cases of postpartum constipation, if it becomes severe and leads to an anal fissure, it is necessary to visit the hospital's proctology department for an examination. When an anal fissure occurs, it generally requires the use of medications to invigorate blood and dissolve stasis to facilitate wound healing. You can also apply some grease around the wound to increase the lubrication of the muscles around the anus, which can alleviate some of the difficulties experienced during defecation. In daily life, it is important to drink more water, consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy and irritating foods that can cause internal heat, and you can also use a potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths to alleviate local pain. If the condition of the anal fissure is severe, surgical treatment may be necessary.