Anal fissures are characterized by the presence of cracks in the lining of the anus at the anal opening. Passage of very hard stools or recurrent passage of watery stools is the most common cause of anal fissures. The underlying muscles at the anal opening are exposed due to an anal fissure. It is very painful condition as the muscles get irritated from exposure to air and stool. The symptoms are bleeding, intense burning pain and occurrence of spasm after passage of stool.

Treatment of anal fissures

Majority of the anal fissures heal by themselves and no treatment is required except for maintaining good diaper hygiene in infants.

The various home care methods that can be used to heal anal fissures include:

Increasing intake of high fiber foods and foods that increase the bulk of the stool
Taking sitz baths
Cleaning gently after passage of stool
Taking pain medicine to reduce pain
Applying muscle relaxants and anesthetic cream to the skin to prevent spasm and if there is interference with normal passage of stool due to pain
Taking stool softeners

If the home care methods described above are not successful in healing the fissure, then the following may be recommended :

Injecting Botox into the anal muscle (anal sphincter)
Performing minor surgery on the anal muscle to relax it
Prognosis of anal fissures
Usually anal fissures heal quickly without complications. However, there are chances of recurrence in individuals who have once developed anal fissure.

Sigmoidoscopy

Another procedure which allows a physician to examine the large intestine is known as sigmoidoscopy. A flexible sigmoidoscope is inserted via rectum and is slid along upwards till the sigmoid arrives.

During sigmoidoscopy :

You shall be required to lie on your left side on the examination table. You shall be given analgesics and sedatives. Your vitals will be monitored and maintained. After this, the doctor will introduce a short and flexible tube called sigmoidoscope through your rectum and slide it upwards until it reaches the sigmoid. This flexible instrument transmits images of the part of the intestine which shall be monitored by your doctor for the presence of any tumor, polyps, inflammation, etc. Samples of abnormal tissue (if any) can also be obtained for biopsy using a sigmoidoscope. This whole procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes in total.

Preparation for sigmoidoscopy :

You may be required that you remain on liquid diet for at least 12 to 24 hours before the procedure. You may be prescribed laxatives a night before, or may be given enema to cleanse and clear out your bowel completely.