Anal Fissure Repair

What Is Anal Fissure Surgery?

Anal fissure surgery repairs tears in the anus that are typically caused by large or hard bowel movements.  Tightening or spasms of the sphincter tends to make the problem worse.  There are non-surgical treatments available for anal fissures, including changed diet, injections, and warm baths.  Full-blown surgery is typically reserved for those cases where conservative treatments are not sufficient. 

The patient receives general or local anesthesia prior to anal fissure surgery.  To relieve pressure in the area, the surgeon usually removes a portion of the anal canal muscle to reduce spasms.  Alternatively, the surgeon may stretch the anal canal.  Patients are usually able to leave the hospital within 3 to 4 hours, and the fissure often heals within a week.  During that time, pain and discomfort is not uncommon, and many patients find it difficult to urinate or pass stools.  If proper urination is not possible for more than 6 hours post surgery, the patient should contact the physicians.  Some patients may receive painkillers to control any post-surgical discomfort.  Bowel movements may be uncomfortable at first, but they usually improve within 1 week.  Similarly, it may be difficult to control flatulence for the first day or two after anal fissure surgery.