Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Rectum

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Anal fissure

Treatment: Stool softeners Dietary adjustment (addition of bulk -- substances that absorb water while in the intestinal tract) Cleansing more gently Petroleum jelly Sitz bath Anesthetic ointment, if pain interferes with normal bowel movement Topical muscle relaxants These measures generally heal more than 90% of anal fissures. For fissures that do not heal with these home treatments, injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter may be used to temporarily paralyze the anal sphincter muscle and promote healing. Another option for nonhealing fissures is a minor surgical procedure to relax the sphincter. Expectations (prognosis): Text Continues Below Anal fissures generally heal quickly without residual problems. However, people who develop fissures are more likely to have them in the future. Complications: Occasionally, a fissure becomes chronic and will not heal. Chronic fissures may require minor surgery to relax the sphincter. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if symptoms associated with anal fissure are present, or if the fissure does not heal appropriately with treatment.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.