‘Fissure’ is a small tear or a rip in the lining of the skin. Now, when we talk about an ‘Anal Fissure’, it is nothing but a tear in the lining of the skin around the anal opening. Fissure is non life-threatening and easily treatable and is quite common among adults and young children (ages 0-5). If you want to know more about Anal Fissure Treatment, read the following sections.
There are two types of Anal Fissures – Acute Fissure and Chronic Fissure. Acute Fissure heals itself within the time period of 4 to 6 weeks, whereas Chronic Fissure persists for 8 or more weeks.
Anal Fissure Treatment
Treatments and medications for Fissure vary depending on the type of anal fissure. Hence, it is very important to identify and understand its types. In the following sections, we have explained about different treatments for Fissures.
Treatment For Acute Fissure
We know that an acute fissure is one which heals itself in 4-6 weeks. Since it heals by itself, doctors often prescribe medications that cuts down the healing period, thereby, effectively curing Acute Anal Fissure. Some of the medications for an acute fissure are:
Stool Softeners: A doctor prescribes stool softeners along with fiber supplements in order to make passing of stool easier. Since the fissure is self-healing, these tablets ease the passage of stools, thus leading to fewer cuts.
Sitz (salt water baths) baths: If there is any irritation felt, then sitz bath might help by cleaning and relieving of any irritation if felt. It also relaxes the sphincter muscles which can spasm.
Cream: Applying creams such as nitroglycerin helps promote blood flow. It also decreases spasms and reduce any inflammation around the area.
Painkillers: Doctor might prescribe painkillers to patient if necessary.
Treatment for Chronic Fissure
These type of fissures cannot be effectively cured with just non-surgical medical treatments (tablets/creams). These fissures persist for more than 8 weeks. Hence Chronic Anal Fissure Treatment requires surgical intervention. Patients can choose from two main surgeries and they are:
Anal Sphincterotomy: The surgeon creates a small incision. This helps to reduce the spasms caused by an overly tight anal sphincter muscle. It also helps in healing the fissure.
Laser Sphincterotomy: The surgeon uses a LASER to create an incision to relax the tight anal sphincter muscles. This also heals the fissure and eventually leaves a small scar.
Post the surgery, the doctor usually prescribes OTC medicines such as tablets or creams. This helps in the complete recovery of patients.
Advantages of Laser treatment for anal fissures over traditional surgery
Laser treatment for anal fissures comes with a host of benefits over traditional surgery. Here’s why many people prefer it:
Less Invasive: Laser treatment involves minimal cutting, meaning there’s less damage to surrounding tissues.
Less Pain: Thanks to the precision of the laser, patients often feel less pain afterward.
Faster Recovery: You can get back to your daily routine much quicker because the recovery time is shorter.
Lower Infection Risk: The laser sterilizes as it works, which helps reduce the risk of infection.
Less Bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels as it cuts, leading to less bleeding.
Outpatient Procedure: Most laser treatments are done as outpatient procedures, so you don’t have to stay in the hospital overnight, saving you time and money.
Comparison Table: Laser Treatment vs. Traditional Surgery:
Feature
Laser Treatment
Traditional Surgery
Invasiveness
Minimally invasive
More invasive
Pain
Less pain after the procedure
More pain after the procedure
Recovery Time
Quick recovery
Longer recovery
Risk of Infection
Lower risk
Higher risk
Bleeding
Minimal bleeding
More bleeding
Procedure Type
Outpatient
Often requires hospital stay
Tissue Damage
Minimal tissue damage
More tissue damage
Cost
Often lower overall cost
Often higher overall cost
In short, laser treatment for anal fissures is a modern, efficient, and patient-friendly option. It helps you recover faster, with less pain and fewer complications, so you can get back to enjoying life sooner.
Medfin offers the latest LASER treatment for anal fissures. To consult an expert Medfin surgeon near you, please call us on 7026200200. You can also Whatsapp us on 7406557599 (click here to initiate a whatsapp chat).