An anal fissure is a common condition that may occur alongside hemorrhoids or as a separate issue, characterized by a tear (fissure) in the rectal mucosa.
Causes
Factors that can lead to the development of an anal fissure include:
- mechanical trauma – often occurs during constipation, diarrhea, or anal sex
- dysfunction of the rectal sphincters
- poor vascular permeability, reduced blood supply to the anal tissues
- pathological structural changes in the epithelial tissues of the rectum
- certain diseases (hemorrhoids, gastritis, stomach ulcers)
- pregnancy, childbirth.
Symptoms of Anal Fissures
The signs of a rectal fissure are evident. It may occur as a result of a sharp tear during defecation with hard stool, and it typically heals within one to two days without treatment. A recurrent tear on an unhealed wound indicates a transition of the condition to a chronic form. Such fissures may not heal for weeks or even months. The patient experiences severe pain and rectal spasms during and after each bowel movement. The patient may have bleeding from the anal opening, and in severe cases, discharge of pus.
Diagnosis of Anal Fissures in Israel
To diagnose an anal fissure in Israel, the following examinations are performed:
- examination and palpation of the rectum by a proctologist
- rectosigmoidoscopy – the most effective method for examining rectal tissues
- anoscopy.
Examination of anal fissures requires the exclusion of causes such as tuberculosis, syphilis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and AIDS.
Treatment of Anal Fissures in Israel
Treatment of rectal fissures in Israel involves a comprehensive approach. It includes dietary changes, the use of medications (rectal suppositories, ointments), and surgical treatment. Adhering to a necessary diet to normalize bowel function is a crucial condition for the successful treatment of anal fissures. The second step of conservative treatment involves ointments and suppositories used rectally – they alleviate pain and have healing and anti-inflammatory effects. If medication does not yield results, surgical excision of the damaged tissues is performed. Progressive technologies allow for painless, non-invasive treatment of fissures using laser therapy. Another effective surgical method is subcutaneous incision of the rectal sphincter. Physical activity, proper nutrition, and treatment of conditions leading to fissures are preventive measures against the development of this pathology.