An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal, while an anal fistula is an abnormal channel connecting the anal canal to the skin near the anus, usually after an infection or abscess. Both cause real discomfort but are common and treatable, and most people improve with the right combination of medical and surgical care.
Recognising the Symptoms
- Severe pain during or after passing stool, which may last for hours (fissure)
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or on the stool (fissure)
- Recurring pus or discharge from a small opening near the anus (fistula)
- Repeated painful swelling or abscess around the anus (fistula)
- Itching, irritation or soreness of the skin around the anal area
Diagnosis
Most fissures are diagnosed on clinical examination. For a suspected fistula, examination is often supported by an MRI of the pelvis or an endoscopic ultrasound to map the tract and its relationship to the sphincter muscles, which is essential for choosing the right operation.
Treatment Options
Many acute fissures heal with dietary fibre, adequate fluids, stool softeners and prescribed topical medication; fissures that persist may need a minor procedure such as lateral internal sphincterotomy. Fistulas do not heal on their own and generally need surgery — fistulotomy, seton placement or sphincter-sparing techniques such as LIFT — chosen according to how much sphincter muscle the tract involves, with the aim of clearing the infection while protecting bowel control.
Why Choose Dr. Abhishek Mitra
- MS in General Surgery and DNB in GI Surgery (Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi), with a postdoctoral (HBNI) fellowship from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- Experience in managing a wide range of gastrointestinal ailments, from routine conditions to complex cancers
- Individualised treatment plan based on the type and severity of your condition and your overall health
- Evidence-based and ethical clinical practice, with a clear explanation of every treatment option
Conclusion
Early evaluation and the right treatment make a significant difference in outcomes for Fissure and Fistula. If you or a family member are living with these symptoms, a detailed evaluation can help determine the most appropriate course of care for your situation.
Troubled by Fissure or Fistula?
Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Mitra for a thorough evaluation.