Once a tear occurs bowel movements can be very painful. Sometimes there is bleeding.

If you are worried about an anal fissure you should speak to your GP in the first instance. Anal fissures can usually be treated at home. Eating more high fibre foods, drinking more fluids will ease any constipation - a major cause of anal fissures. Use of stool softeners or laxatives may also be recommended. Fibre supplements are another way to add bulk to your diet. Frequent warm sitz baths can also help to relieve symptoms.

Chronic anal fissures may need further examination. In some cases you may be referred to a specialist for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

What happens during anal fissure surgery?

In cases where the fissure does not heal surgery to release a small portion of the internal anal sphincter muscle relieves pressure on the fissure allowing it to heal. This procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthesia as a day case.

Going home after anal fissure surgery

Pain often disappears fairly quickly following anal fissure surgery although complete healing can take up to two months. Stool softeners and laxatives may be recommend for the first few weeks. You should eat a high fibre diet to prevent recurrence.

Most people make a full recovery from anal fissures. As with any surgical procedure there could be complications:

  • Infection
  • Faecal incontinence (loss of bowel control)
  • Complications from anaesthetic
  • Recurrence

Ask a question

Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you within one working day. If it's urgent, you can call us on 0300 123 6200.

Thank you

A member of the team will respond to you soon.

To continue to receive communications from Nuffield Health about our exclusive offers, products and services, then please tell us how you'd like to be contacted by ticking the relevant boxes below:

On occasion Nuffield Health may contact you with pertinent service information in regards to services we provide. Note that you can either amend or withdraw your consent at any time.

For information about where your personal data may be processed, how it may be processed and for details of our Data Protection Officer, please see our Privacy Policy.