Benefits of Laser Therapy for Anal Fissures

An Anal Fissure is a cut in the tissue lining the anal canal. This condition is found in men and women equally. It also occurs in infants sometimes. Common causes include straining, constipation, and passing of hard stools during bowel movements. Pain and bleeding are two common symptoms seen with anal fissures during bowel movements. At most times, treatments are simple and include increased fiber intake, only some people might need medications and very occasionally  anal fissures surgery is recommended. Let’s understand anal fissures in detail here, with a focus on laser therapy as an advanced treatment method.

What are Anal Fissures? 

An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the moist tissue lining of your anal canal. Fissures are usually caused due to stretch of the anal mucosa beyond its maximum limit. This is mainly because of constipation during which you may have to pass hard and large stools. Once the crack appears, it will be subjected to constant injury and may develop into chronic anal fissures. Other causes include childbirth, chronic diarrhea, obstructed defecation syndrome, and penetration.

Symptoms include pain, burning or itching while pooping, and fresh red blood in the stool. In long-standing cases, a skin tag-like growth develops at the end of the fissure called a sentinel pile. Most of the time, anal fissures heal by themselves but sometimes they become chronic anal fissures and may lead to fecal impaction, anal stenosis, and anal fistula. There are a few factors that increase the risk of anal fissures like a low-fiber diet, trauma, weight loss surgeries, and any inflammation around the anal canal. 

Anal fissures are diagnosed through a rectal examination. Stool examination may sometimes be requested to examine the presence of blood in the stool. Acute anal fissures heal by themselves within 6 weeks and you might be prescribed pain medications if there is any pain. Anal fissures that last more than 6 weeks are chronic anal fissures and can be treated by topical ointments that relax the muscle sphincters, botox injections, laxatives, laser therapies, or colorectal surgeries.

Drinking more water, including fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoiding spicy foods can help prevent anal fissures.

In this Article, let us learn how laser therapy is beneficial for Anal fissures.

What is Laser Therapy for Anal Fissures?

Laser treatment for anal fissures is a preferred method in patients suffering from chronic anal fissures. Laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to promote healing and alleviate symptoms associated with anal fissures.

Let us understand what happens before, during, and after Laser therapy.

Before undergoing surgery, the doctor will perform a rectal examination to locate the fissure. The patient should not eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure and the bowel is cleaned by using a laxative or an enema.

During the surgery, local anesthesia is administered, and a specialized laser instrument to deliver controlled laser energy to the area around the anal fissure. It helps seal the blood vessels, nerve endings, and tissues around the fissure. This process promotes healing and reduces pain and inflammation. This method holds the benefit of faster recovery and less postoperative pain and discomfort.

For better recovery after the surgery, the patient may be put on a high-fiber diet, and in a few cases, they might prescribe stool softeners. You might be sent back home the same day as there is no requirement for hospitalization.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Anal Fissures

Laser therapy offers several potential benefits over conventional surgeries.

• Minimally Invasive: It is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure that typically requires no incisions. The use of smaller incisions specialized instruments, and advanced technology helps in achieving the intended medical outcomes with less physical trauma compared to traditional open surgeries.
• Less pain and discomfort: Laser therapy can lead to less post-operative pain compared to traditional surgical techniques. This is a major advantage that makes laser surgery a preferred choice for many medical conditions.
• Quicker recovery: Patients often recover faster, returning to their normal activities sooner. As the incisions are small, they heal faster resulting in less discomfort and you will be able to return to your regular activities sooner when compared to traditional surgery.
• Lower risk of Incontinence: Laser therapy may carry a lower risk of anal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements) than other surgical procedures. Laser surgery is a more targeted approach. It vaporizes and removes damaged tissue while stimulating healing, which may result in a reduced risk of sphincter dysfunction and incontinence. 
• Outpatient procedure: This is typically an outpatient procedure and does not require hospitalization. The minimally invasive nature of laser therapy, along with the use of local anesthesia, allows for a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that does not require a hospital stay. 
• High success rates: Laser therapy has shown higher success rates in treating anal fissures with long-term relief for many patients. By precisely targeting the fissure and stimulating the body’s natural healing process, laser therapy often results in a quicker and more successful recovery compared to traditional surgical methods. 

Before getting anal fissures treated it is important that you discuss the benefits and risks of the selected procedure with your surgeon. Read on to understand the risks associated with laser therapy for anal fissures.

Risks  of Laser Therapy for Anal Fissures

Though laser therapy for anal fissure is a safe procedure, like any other surgery it also holds the risk of certain complications.

• Although the risk of infection is very low, there is a possibility of infection at the treatment site.
• While laser therapy can be very effective, in some cases, anal fissures may recur requiring further treatment.
• Scarring or tissue changes in the treated area can occur.
• Some patients may experience pain or discomfort in the treated area following the procedure.
• Laser therapy can cause minor bleeding, but this usually resolves without complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laser therapy offers several potential benefits. It is minimally invasive, does not require hospitalization and it can provide relief from the discomfort associated with anal fissures with reduced post-operative pain. Laser therapy has shown high success rates in treating anal fissures making it a valuable option for those seeking effective and less invasive treatment. However, it is important to consider these benefits against potential risks and consult your anal fissure surgeon in Bangalore to determine the most appropriate course of action for you.

FAQs

1. Can I walk after undergoing laser fissure surgery?

You can walk at regular intervals and as suggested by your doctor. The surgeon will give you clear instructions on activities during your recovery. 

2. Does it hurt during the surgery?

The surgery is absolutely painless as it is performed under anesthesia. The procedure offers the advantage of minimal discomfort.

3. Can I sit after laser surgery for an anal fissure?

Yes, though you are allowed to sit after the surgery, make sure that you avoid sitting for longer periods. Make sure you discuss these aspects with your doctor.

4. What is the cost of laser therapy for anal fissures?

The cost of laser therapy for anal fissures may vary from 35000 INR to 50000 INR. The cost may vary based on factors such as the location, hospital, and surgeon chosen, your specific condition, and its severity.

5. What is the recovery time after Laser Therapy?

The recovery is very quick compared to other traditional surgeries. Most of the patients can return to daily activities in a few days.