Causes of an anal fissure
An anal fissure occurs when the mucous membrane of the anal canal is damaged. An acute fissure appears suddenly and, with proper treatment, heals within a few weeks. A chronic fissure persists for more than 8–12 weeks and is accompanied by tissue changes that prevent it from healing on its own.
The most common causes are:
- chronic constipation and hard stools that injure the mucous membrane during bowel movements;
- diarrhea with frequent urges and irritation of the anal canal;
- spasm of the internal anal sphincter, which impairs blood supply to the tissue;
- childbirth with tears or a prolonged pushing stage;
- inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
An anal fissure is often combined with hemorrhoids. If necessary, at Helyos Medical Center, treatment of the fissure and hemorrhoid removal are performed within a single surgical intervention.
When is surgical treatment required?
Seeing a surgeon-proctologist is recommended for a chronic fissure that does not heal with therapy within 2–3 months, as well as for pronounced pain and sphincter spasm.
If anal skin tags are present, Helyos Medical Center performs their minimally invasive removal — on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia.
Methods for removing an anal fissure
Helyos Medical Center uses vaporization of the anal fissure — laser removal of the damaged tissue. Characteristics of the procedure:
- indications — acute and chronic anal fissures;
- action — targeted, affecting only the damaged area, surrounding tissue is not affected;
- trauma — minimal compared with traditional methods;
- pain — less pronounced, recovery is faster.
The method effectively eliminates the fissure with minimal discomfort for the patient and a short healing period.
Recovery after surgery
Rehabilitation after vaporization of an anal fissure is significantly more comfortable than after a traditional operation. The patient goes home the same day as the procedure — a hospital stay is generally not required.
Important! During the recovery period, it is necessary to normalize bowel movements with a fiber-rich diet and adequate fluid intake. Constipation slows healing, so the doctor will give individual dietary recommendations at the appointment.
A follow-up examination is scheduled after 1–2 weeks. If a pilonidal cyst of the coccyx is identified as an accompanying condition, Helyos Medical Center performs its laser removal.
Advantages of treatment at Helyos Medical Center
Proctologists at Helyos Medical Center use laser methods of treatment for anal fissures according to modern international protocols. Diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up monitoring are all organized in one place. The price of the procedure and a convenient time for a consultation can be confirmed by calling +380670000150 or through the online form on the website. How much treatment for an anal fissure costs in a specific case will be determined by the proctologist after examination.
