Fissure Treatment in Dubai
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Ano-Proctology
What is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue lining the anus, often leading to anal pain and rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Typically caused by anal trauma, such as straining to pass hard stools, fissures can develop suddenly or gradually.
They may heal quickly or become chronic, taking longer to resolve. For effective fissure treatment in Dubai, it’s essential to seek professional care to address both immediate symptoms and long-term healing.
How common are Anal Fissures?
Anal fissures are a frequent occurrence, particularly among infants and pregnant people.
About half of all people with anal fissures experience them before the age of 40.
What does an Anal Fissure feel like?
Pain is the most common symptom, typically occurring during bowel movements and lasting from a few minutes to several hours afterward. This pain may radiate to the buttocks, upper thighs, or lower back. Fissure treatment in Dubai addresses these symptoms and helps promote healing.
Understanding the difference between haemorrhoids and Anal Fissures?
Both haemorrhoids and anal fissures can cause rectal bleeding, pain, and itching. However, anal fissures are more commonly associated with pain during bowel movements, while haemorrhoid pain can be constant. Haemorrhoids do not always cause pain, but 90 % of fissures do.
Primary Causes of Anal Fissures
The primary symptoms of an anal fissure include:
- Sharp Pain During Bowel Movements.
- Burning or Itching.
- Bright Red Blood in Stools.
- Anal Muscle Spasm.
- A Lump Near the Tear.
Anal fissures are generally caused by trauma to the anal lining, often from:
Chronic Constipation and Straining: This is the most common cause.
Obstructed Defecation Syndrome and Infant Dyschezia: Conditions that cause difficulty in passing stool.
Chronic Diarrhea: Frequent bowel movements can irritate the anal lining.
Childbirth: The strain and pressure during delivery can cause fissures.
Penetration: Including sexual activity that can traumatise the area.
Other contributing conditions include:
- Prior surgery.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Anal cancer.
- Tuberculosis (TB).
- Diaper rash.
Possible Complications of Anal Fissures
Most of the anal fissures heal within a few weeks, but complications can arise if they don’t. Chronic fissures, lasting over eight weeks, can lead to:
Persistent Pain and Muscle Clenching: This can cause the anal muscles to tighten and spasm, reducing blood flow and hindering healing.
Faecal Impaction: Severe constipation that makes it difficult to pass stools.
Anal Stenosis: Narrowing of the anal canal, making bowel movements more difficult.
Anal Fistula: A fistula, which is an abnormal passage, develops between the anal canal and the nearby skin.
Diagnosis and Tests
1- Medical History and Physical Exam
Dr Ashok Bohra will:
- Ask about your medical history.
- Perform a gentle physical exam of the anal region.
- Often, the fissure is visible and can be diagnosed with just an exam.
2- Appearance of Fissures
- Acute Fissures: Look like fresh tears, similar to a paper cut.
- Chronic Fissures: Have more profound tears, may have internal or external fleshy growths and last more than eight weeks.
3- Location and Underlying Conditions
- Location Clues: Fissures on the side of the anal opening may indicate another disorder like Crohn’s disease.
- Further Testing: May be recommended to check for underlying conditions.
4- Diagnostic Tests
Anoscopy: The doctor uses a special tool like a thin tube with a light to see inside your rectum and anus.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A colonoscopy, where a thin, flexible video tube is inserted into the rectum, may be recommended if you’re under 45 and have a low risk of colon cancer or intestinal diseases.
Colonoscopy: A flexible tube inspects the entire colon. Recommended if you:
- Are over 45.
- Have risk factors for colon cancer.
- Show symptoms of other conditions.
- Experience additional symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea.
Anal Fissure Treatment
Most acute anal fissures heal without significant medical intervention. However, chronic fissures often require treatment.
1- Medications
- Nitroglycerin Ointment: This vasodilator helps increase blood flow and relaxes the anal sphincter.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Diltiazem or nifedipine can relax blood vessels and the anal muscles.
- Botox Injections: These can relax the anal sphincter for about three months, allowing the fissure to heal.
- Bulk Laxatives: To soften stools and reduce strain during bowel movements.
2- Anal Fissure Surgery
Internal Sphincterotomy: Internal sphincterotomy offers a minimally invasive solution. This surgery uses a tiny cut in the muscle to ease tension and speed up healing, boasting a 90 % success rate.
Prevention
To prevent anal fissures, adopt the following habits:
Maintain a High-fibre Diet: This helps prevent constipation and hard stools.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps regulate bowel movements.
Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements: Use stool softeners if necessary.
Be Hygiene: Keep the anal area clean and dry.
Living With Anal Fissures
Self-care tips
- Stool Softeners: Use these to make bowel movements more comfortable.
- Proper Toilet Positioning: Use a step stool to support your feet, positioning your hips in a squatting position.
- Gentle Cleaning: Use soft toilet paper or alcohol-free wet wipes. Consider using a bidet.
- Topical Ointments: Apply petroleum jelly or medicated creams to the fissure.
- Sitz Baths: Take 2-3 warm baths (10-15 min) daily for relief and muscle relaxation.
Dietary Adjustments
- Increase Water Intake: Drink more fluids.
- Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These provide essential fibre.
- Avoid Spicy Foods and Nuts: These can irritate the fissure.
Contact Dr Ashok Bohra for Anal Fissure treatment in Dubai
Dr Ashok Bohra provides the best Anal Fissure treatment in Dubai. With over 30 years of expertise, Dr Ashok Bohra stands out as a board-certified general surgeon known for his exceptional surgical proficiency and steadfast commitment to patient care.
His exceptional proficiency and compassionate approach ensure optimal outcomes for those suffering from anal fissures.