Anal fissures occur in which part?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on February 02, 2025
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Anal fissures are an extremely common condition in proctology. They occur in the fragile and narrowest tissue of the anal canal due to the combined effect of various internal and external factors, leading to the opening and cracking of the digestive tract outlet up to the dentate line and the surface of the anal margin. The oval-shaped small ulcers that form from anal fissures usually occur at the anal region, aligning parallel to the longitudinal direction of the anal canal. The condition is often recurrent and difficult to heal. The angle continuation between the anal canal and the rectum means that the posterior wall of the anal canal is under the most pressure during bowel movements. Therefore, the posterior midline is most susceptible to injury and is also the most common site for the occurrence of anal fissures.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What causes anal fissures?

Anal fissure is a series of clinical symptoms such as pain or rectal bleeding that occur due to the formation of a crack in the local sphincter muscle of the anus. The main reason for the occurrence of anal fissures is due to poor defecation habits in the early stages of the patient, or excessively dry stools, and excessive force during defecation, causing the local sphincter to burst, resulting in the fissure opening pain or bleeding. To treat anal fissures, it is first necessary to soften the patient's stools and adjust defecation habits. If the patient's diet is poor, it is recommended to maintain a light, easily digestible diet long-term. For those with dry stools, appropriate oral medications to lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements can be used, or sesame oil can be applied around the anus before each defecation to lubricate the stool. If recurrent episodes of anal fissures occur, surgical treatment can also be directly performed. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about rectal bleeding from an anal fissure?

Firstly, if rectal bleeding occurs before a doctor's diagnosis, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly to rule out other conditions. The cause of the bleeding could be from a site above the anus or other diseases related to the anus, and it might not necessarily be an anal fissure. If diagnosed with an anal fissure, treatment generally involves the local application of ointment. It is important to avoid conditions in daily life that could lead to constipation or diarrhea, as these can irritate the mucous membrane of the anus and exacerbate the symptoms of an anal fissure. Dietarily, it is beneficial to eat more vegetables, fruits, and foods high in rough fiber to ensure that stools are well-formed. If anal fissures recur, do not avoid seeking medical help, as this could lead to the formation of scars and contractions around the anus, causing anal stenosis, at which point surgery would be necessary.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Can diarrhea cause anal fissures?

Diarrhea may cause anal fissures. An anal fissure refers to a full-thickness vertical tear in the skin of the anal canal below the dentate line, forming an ischemic ulcer. It is commonly found in young and middle-aged adults, and the exact mechanism of its development is not very clear. It is mainly related to local muscle spasms and infection following injury. The main symptoms include severe, sharp pain during and after bowel movements, along with occasional light, bright red bleeding. There may also be constipation and anal discharge. If the skin of the anal canal is chronically irritated by prolonged diarrhea, causing skin damage, it is very likely to lead to an anal fissure.

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Written by Li Xiao Jie
Internal Medicine
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Can anal fissures be cured completely?

Anal fissures are a curable condition, so do not worry. Anal fissures are relatively common in clinical practice and are a frequently occurring disease. Fresh anal fissures, which are of short duration and have small fissures, can be treated and cured using methods such as fumigation, oral medications, or rectal insertion. For older, chronic anal fissures, surgical treatment can be administered, including methods like the Milligan-Morgan technique or fissurectomy, all of which can achieve a cure. However, anal fissures are related to lifestyle and dietary habits, so even after healing, it is important to be cautious of various triggering factors to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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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)