How to treat anal fissures, and when do I need to seek help?

Doctor's Answers 3

Photo of Dr Heap Yong Seah
Dr Heap Yong Seah

General Practitioner

There are many causes of painful anus when passing motion, and I agree that an anal fissure is a rather high possibility.

To answer your question, anal fissures are usually treated with a topical ointment (the one I prescribe in my clinic is Proctosedyl, although i have heard of some other doctors preferring Rectogesic. On top of that, you will need to keep your stools soft, so as to avoid additional trauma when you pass motion. Sometimes I will have to give a stool softening agent (like Lactulose syrup) to soften the stools.

Usually the fissure will heal in 1-2 weeks' time, and the pain should stop. If your anal pain persists beyond that, do see a doctor (your family doctor will be a good start) for a proper anal and rectal examination to look for other causes.

Rarely, some very persistent and difficult to treat anal fissures will need surgery. Your doctor will discuss with you further should you need it.

Photo of Dr Nan Yaw Wong
Dr Nan Yaw Wong

Colorectal Surgeon

Anal fissures are classified into acute or chronic. Acute fissure (lasting 8-12 weeks) may be treated conservatively with stool softeners, sitz bath and analgesics. Chronic fissures (more than 3 months) are more stubborn and difficult to heal.

Treatment is surgical division of the anal muscles known as Lateral Anal Sphincterotomy. In experienced hands the results are very good with near instant relief of symptoms. Other options include creams and suppositories but these are associated with side effects like headaches.

Photo of Dr Chong Choon Seng
Dr Chong Choon Seng

Colorectal Surgeon

Most anal fissures are classified into 2 main types. Acute and Chronic.

For acute fissures, topical treatment is highly effective and is usually prescribed by primary healthcare physicians. Chronic anal fissures on the other hand, are more amenable to surgery. Most patients with anal fissures will have pain and should seek at least a consult first to confirm the diagnosis of fissure.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best for your treatment!

Similar Questions

Should I be worried if I am falling asleep suddenly during the daytime?

Thank you for your question. There can be many reasons why someone would experience excessive daytime sleepiness. As the potential causes are varied and have been well-covered by both Dr Tze Yong and Dr Ethan, I shall not be repetitious. One of the most common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (if you do not have poor sleep habit, sleep deprivation, insomnia and medical problems or are on medications that disrupt sleep) is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or OSA.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

Can perlane fillers be seen on a CT scan?

Perlane fillers can be seen on CT scan as soft tissue at the location where it’s injected, especially if it’s injected as a bolus. Fret not, the radiologist and radiographer would have seen many such cases, so do not expect them to be surprised at the findings. In fact, you can let the doctor know this, so that the radiologist doesn’t mistake it as other structures in his interpretation of the scan.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox