Anal fissure and anal fistula may sound similar because of their names. Surprisingly, other than the fact that they are issues that originate near the anus, these two conditions are very different. The main distinguishing factors between an anal fissure and an anal fistula are the cause of the issue, the symptoms present, the extent of the issue, and the treatment needed to provide relief. Below, we will take a deep dive into these variances between each condition.
What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin lining of the anus. This condition may occur after a large or unusually hard bowel movement. Anal fissures can lead to pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
Anal Fissure Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an anal fissure include:
Pain during bowel movements
Pain after bowel movements that can persist for hours
Blood after a bowel movement
A small lump on the skin near the area
Anal Fissure Treatment Options
The majority of anal fissures do not require surgery. A common treatment for anal fissures is adding more fiber to your diet or using over-the-counter fiber supplements. Topical creams or ointments can also be helpful for pain relief. If you have a severe or chronic anal fissure, your doctor may recommend a surgery called lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS), which involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to relax it and decrease pain and spasms.
What is an anal fistula?
An anal fistula is a narrow tunnel that runs from inside the anus to an external opening in the skin near the outside. Anal fistulas are usually caused by an anal abscess or infection that didn’t heal correctly. The gland can become infected, forming the abscess.
Anal Fistula Symptoms
The most common symptoms of anal fistulas are:
Pain with bowel movements
Redness
Swelling around the anus
Bleeding
Fever or chills
Fatigue
Anal Fistula Treatment Options
Antibiotics alone will not remedy an anal fistula, which needs to be drained of the infection. Most anal fistulas will require surgery to correct the issue by draining the abscess. If your anal fistula is straightforward, the most common surgery is a fistulotomy, where the skin and muscle over the tunnel are cut and removed.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above of either anal fissures or anal fistulas, you should visit your doctor. To make an appointment with an experienced colorectal specialist in Tampa, call Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay today!