Anal health is something many people hesitate to talk about. But ignoring blood during stool, sharp pain in the anal region, or discomfort after bowel movements can make conditions worse. One of the most common yet painful anorectal conditions is a fissure in ano — a tear in the lining of the anal canal.
The right fissure in Ano treatment at the correct time can prevent complications, chronic pain, and repeated episodes. However, many people try home remedies for too long until the fissure becomes severe, non-healing, or requires surgical intervention.
This detailed guide will help you understand when it’s time to seek medical help and what treatment options are available — including laser procedures.
What Is a Fissure in Ano?
A fissure in ano is a small cut in the skin inside the anus. It usually occurs due to trauma while passing hard stool. When the tear doesn’t heal properly, it leads to repeated pain and bleeding.
There are two types:
- Acute fissure in ano – fresh, short-term tear, usually heals in 4–6 weeks
- Chronic fissure in ano – long-lasting tear with severe pain and fibrosis around the tear that needs medical or surgical treatment
Common Anal Fissure Symptoms
Early detection helps in faster recovery. Watch out for these warning signs:
✔ Sharp, burning pain during and after bowel movement
✔ Fresh red blood on toilet paper or stool
✔ Severe discomfort while sitting
✔ Anal swelling or skin tag (sentinel pile)
✔ Spasm of anal muscles
✔ Itching and irritation around the anus
If you experience symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it’s a strong indication that the anal fissure needs medical attention.
What Causes an Anal Fissure?
Most fissures are due to bowel habits, but other medical reasons can also contribute. Common anal fissure causes include:
- Chronic constipation and hard stools
- Straining during bowel movement
- Chronic diarrhea
- Excessive spicy food
- Pregnancy and childbirth pressure
- Low fiber diet
- Anal trauma or injury
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s disease)
Understanding the cause helps doctors suggest the best treatment for a fissure in ano and prevent recurrence.
When Is Medical Treatment Needed?
While increasing fiber, hydration, and a sitz bath may help an acute fissure, medical help is necessary when you notice:
🚩 Continuous bleeding
🚩 Pain lasts hours after passing stool
🚩 Anal fissure symptoms persist longer than 2–3 weeks
🚩 Recurrent fissures
🚩 Formation of a sentinel pile or lump near the anus
🚩 Any discharge or signs of infection
Early consultation helps avoid chronic complications and reduces healing time.
Anal Fissure Healing Time — What to Expect
Healing duration depends on severity and treatment approach:
| Condition | Expected Healing Time |
|---|---|
|
Acute fissure in ano |
2–6 weeks with medication |
|
Chronic fissure in ano |
Requires medical or surgical treatment; faster recovery with laser
|
Delaying treatment makes healing slower and the fissure more painful.
Fissure in Ano Treatment Options
Doctors usually recommend a step-by-step approach based on the severity:
1. Non-Surgical Treatment for Acute Fissure
Best for recent fissures:
- Stool softeners
- High fiber diet + warm water intake
- Sitz bath (lukewarm water bath)
- Ointments to relax anal muscles
- Pain-relieving topical creams
This treatment helps reduce pressure on anal muscles and supports natural healing.
2. Medical Treatment for Chronic Fissure
If the acute fissure doesn’t heal, doctors may prescribe:
- Nitroglycerin or Diltiazem ointments
- Botox injections to relax anal muscles
This helps break the cycle of pain → muscle spasm → decreased blood flow → delayed healing.
3. Laser Treatment for Fissure in Ano — Modern & Advanced
Laser therapy is considered one of the best treatments for fissure in ano today.
Why? Because it is:
✔ Minimally invasive
✔ No major cuts or stitches
✔ Low bleeding and infection risk
✔ Quick healing
✔ Same-day discharge
✔ Works even for chronic fissures
Patients experience faster recovery with less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
4. Surgical Treatment for Fissure in Ano
If medications and laser therapy are not enough, fissure in ano surgical treatment becomes necessary.
The most commonly performed surgery is Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) — reducing anal muscle tightness to improve blood flow and healing.
Surgery ensures:
- Faster symptom relief
- Low recurrence rate
- Long-term solution for chronic fissures
Consult a specialist to decide whether surgical treatment for a fissure in ano is right for you.
Why You Should Never Ignore Anal Fissure Symptoms
Untreated fissures can lead to:
❌ Persistent pain
❌ Recurrent bleeding
❌ Infection or abscess formation
❌ Fistula development
❌ Significant disruption in daily life
Timely fissure in ano treatment avoids complications and restores normal bowel comfort.
Self-Care Tips to Support Healing
Along with medical guidance, lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms:
- Add fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables & whole grains
- Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid spicy, oily, and junk foods
- Don’t ignore the urge to pass stool
These changes also help prevent fissure recurrence.
Final Thoughts
A fissure may start as a small tear, but the pain it brings can severely affect your lifestyle, confidence, and daily comfort. If you’re facing continuous bleeding, prolonged discomfort, difficulty passing stool, or non-healing symptoms, it’s time to seek medical help. Early diagnosis can help avoid complications and ensure a faster return to normal life.
Don’t suffer silently. Effective and painless treatment is now easily available at Sushrut Piles Hospital, where expert doctors provide advanced laser and surgical care for quick and long-lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain, bleeding during stool, burning, and irritation around the anus.
Constipation, hard stool, straining, diarrhea, or a low-fiber diet.
Acute fissure: 2–6 weeks. Chronic fissure: longer and may need treatment.
Medication for acute cases; laser treatment for chronic fissures.
No, it’s minimally invasive with faster recovery and less discomfort.
If symptoms last beyond 2 weeks or pain/bleeding increases.
At Sushrut Piles Hospital, with expert doctors and advanced laser care.