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

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 03, 2024
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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)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
51sec home-news-image

How to improve anal fissure bleeding?

To improve anal fissure and bleeding, the first step is to treat constipation by softening the stool, as most anal fissures are caused by dry stools tearing the local skin and mucous membranes of the anus, leading to bleeding from these tears. For those experiencing pain and bleeding due to anal fissures, it is advisable to apply sesame oil around the anus before each bowel movement to prevent irritations from stool aggravating the fissure, which can cause recurrent pain and bleeding. After defecation, hemorrhoid cream can be applied for hemostatic treatment, and medicinal herbal solutions can be used for local compression and hot compresses to promote the growth and healing of the fissure. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 31sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have an anal fissure?

So, what should we do if we have an anal fissure? Generally, for patients with early-stage anal fissures where the fissure is still fresh and without complications such as sentinel piles, hypertrophied anal papillae, anal papillitis, anal stenosis, subcutaneous fistulae, or subcutaneous abscesses, conservative treatment under medical supervision can be pursued. First, altering the diet by increasing water intake and consuming more vegetables and fruits can improve the characteristics of the stool. Post bowel movement, traditional Chinese herbal remedies for pain relief, such as Shen Tang, or sitz baths using potassium permanganate solution can be used. Locally, applications like Longzhu Ointment or Jiuhua Ointment may be applied. If constipation is present, stool softeners should be used to aid bowel movements. In the chronic stage, if symptoms are only accompanied by internal sphincter spasm and no other complications such as sentinel piles or hypertrophied anal papillae, in addition to the general treatments mentioned above, anal dilation can be considered. If dilation is ineffective, then surgical treatment should be considered at this time. For patients with chronic anal fissures who also have symptoms like sentinel piles, hypertrophied anal papillae, anal stenosis, or for those who have had prolonged ineffective treatment of initial anal fissures, it is advisable to seek surgical treatment at a hospital.

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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)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 5sec home-news-image

Can you have intercourse during an anal fissure?

During an anal fissure, it is possible to have sexual intercourse without any impact on the fissure itself. For patients with an anal fissure, the main focus should be on maintaining smooth bowel movements and avoiding dry and hard stools to prevent irritating the wound, which can cause pain and bleeding. It is also important to avoid diarrhea, as frequent bowel movements can irritate the wound over time and worsen the fissure. Clinically, for early-stage anal fissures, conservative treatment with medications is often recommended, along with softening the stool. Commonly used medications include Dragon Balm ointment or nitroglycerin ointment. After defecation, patients can opt to use an anal wash or a potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths. However, for chronic anal fissures, it is generally advised to undergo fissure excision surgery as soon as possible, followed by regular dressing changes to promote healing of the wound. If an anal fissure is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to slight narrowing of the anal canal, which requires significant attention.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 5sec home-news-image

What is the best treatment for a minor anal fissure?

Minor anal fissures, which are early-stage fissures, mainly manifest as pain during defecation and minor bleeding, but the pain does not last long and is primarily associated with defecation. For minor fissures, it is generally recommended to choose conservative treatment with medications and dietary regulation to ensure smooth bowel movements. Typically, after defecation, one can choose to use an anal cleansing solution or a potassium permanganate solution for a sitz bath. After the sitz bath, apply Dragon Ball ointment or nitroglycerin ointment locally to promote the healing of the ulcerated surface. At the same time, in terms of diet, one should drink more water and consume foods rich in dietary fiber to maintain smooth bowel movements as much as possible, avoiding dry and hard stools, which also helps in the healing of minor anal fissures. Additionally, patients should pay attention to keeping the anal area dry and clean, avoid irritating the wound, and prevent infection that could exacerbate the condition.