User:Mr. Ibrahem/Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a break or superficial tear in the skin of the anal canal. Symptoms generally include severe pain with bowel movements and potentially small amounts of rectal bleeding. The pain may last for hours after a bowel movement. They can reoccur and last for more than 6 weeks. Complications may include anal fistula formation and fecal incontinence.

Common causes include constipation and injury. Other causes include diarrhea, sexually transmitted infections, inflammatory bowel disease, childbirth, HIV/AIDS, anal cancer, and anal sex. They typically occur in the midline posteriorly. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination.

Initial treatment is often with sitz baths, pain medication, stool softeners, and a high-fiber diet. Other medications that may be used include glyceryl trinitrate or nifedipine applied to the skin or botox injections. If this is not effective surgery, known as a lateral internal sphincterotomy, may be performed. They are common both in children and adults. Males and females are affected equally. The condition was initially described by John Lockhart-Mummery in 1934.