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Anal Fissures

At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our compassionate specialists provide advanced, comprehensive diagnosis and minimally invasive, gentle treatments for anal fissures, ensuring fast relief, personalized care, and a discreet, comfortable environment tailored to the unique needs of our local community's colorectal health.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Are Anal Fissures?

Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the thin tissue lining the anus. They most often occur when hard or large stools stretch the anal canal beyond its normal capacity. While many fissures heal on their own, some become chronic and lead to ongoing pain and bleeding if not treated properly.

Common Symptoms

You may experience:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain during or after a bowel movement
  • Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
  • Itching or burning sensation around the anus
  • A small lump or skin tag (sentinel pile) near the tear
  • A feeling of tightness or cramping in the anal area

Causes

Anal fissures can be triggered by:

  • Constipation and straining during bowel movements
  • Passing hard, dry stools
  • Frequent episodes of diarrhea
  • Trauma from childbirth or anal intercourse
  • Underlying inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease
Treatment

Treatment Options for Anal Fissures in Cypress

Treatment includes home remedies, topical therapies, and advanced care:

  • Topical creams: Nitroglycerin ointment to relax the anal sphincter, hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation, and prescription-strength formulations for faster healing.
  • Home remedies: Warm sitz baths (10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily) to soothe pain, stool softeners to ease bowel movements, and a high-fiber diet or fiber supplements to prevent straining.
  • Stool management: Gentle laxatives (e.g., psyllium husk) and increased fluid intake to maintain soft, regular stools and reduce pressure on the fissure.
  • Botox injections: Targeted injections into the internal anal sphincter to relieve muscle tension and promote healing in chronic or non-healing fissures.
  • Surgical options: Lateral internal sphincterotomy or advanced procedures for longstanding fissures that haven't responded to conservative treatments.
  • Follow-up care: Scheduled visits to monitor healing, adjust your treatment plan, and provide guidance on diet and lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence.

Ready to Find Relief from Anal Fissures?

Don't suffer in silence-book your appointment today with GastroDoxs in Cypress. Our expert gastroenterology team provides compassionate, personalized care, leveraging the latest treatments to ensure fast, lasting relief. Click below to schedule your visit and take the first step toward comfort and healing.

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Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 498 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for anal fissure?

The standard ICD-10 code for an anal fissure is K60.0.

How can I heal an anal fissure fast?

Quick relief often comes from warm sitz baths, a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and prescribed topical creams to promote healing.

Is nitroglycerin safe for anal fissures?

Yes. When used under medical supervision, nitroglycerin ointment relaxes the anal sphincter, increases blood flow, and helps fissures heal.

What's the difference between an anal fissure and a fistula?

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anus or rectum to the skin near the anus.

Does hydrocortisone cream help?

Hydrocortisone cream can reduce itching and swelling around the fissure but is most effective when combined with other treatments like sitz baths and stool softeners.

Can you have hemorrhoids and an anal fissure at the same time?

Yes. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures often coexist. Treating both conditions concurrently can improve comfort and healing.

What ointment works best?

Commonly recommended options include nitroglycerin, diltiazem, and customized prescription blends. Your doctor will choose the best fit based on your symptoms.

How much does surgery cost?

Surgery costs vary depending on the procedure and facility. At GastroDoxs, we provide a transparent breakdown of all fees before you commit to treatment.

What home remedies help?

Effective home remedies include warm sitz baths, gentle stool softeners, a high-fiber diet, ample water intake, and avoiding straining during bowel movements.

When should I see a doctor?

Consult a physician if your fissure hasn't improved after two weeks of self-care, if bleeding persists, or if pain becomes severe. Early evaluation prevents complications.

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