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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2007; 20(2): 133-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-977492
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anal Fissure

Jan Rakinic1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield Illinois
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Publication History

Publication Date:
09 May 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Anal fissure is a common problem, vexing to both patients and physicians. The historical mainstay of therapy has been some method of partial division of the internal anal sphincter with the serious potential complication of fecal incontinence. Nonsurgical treatment methods were therefore pursued, producing healing rates less than that seen after surgical therapy but none of the morbidity of surgery. This article summarizes accepted methods of modern medical and surgical therapy for anal fissure and offers a rationale for treatment type selection.

KEYWORDS

Anal fissure - sphincterotomy - anal pain

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1 As this is intended to be a clinical update, emphasis is on newer treatment information. Older supporting references that can be found in standard texts have been omitted here.

Jan RakinicM.D. 

Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

P.O. Box 19638, Springfield IL 62794-9638

Email: jrakinic@siumed.edu

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