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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2016; 29(01): 030-037
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1570390
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anal Fissure

Jennifer Sam Beaty
1   Department of Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
2   Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medicine, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Omaha, Nebraska
,
M. Shashidharan
1   Department of Surgery, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
2   Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medicine, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Omaha, Nebraska
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Anal fissure (fissure-in-ano) is a very common anorectal condition. The exact etiology of this condition is debated; however, there is a clear association with elevated internal anal sphincter pressures. Though hard bowel movements are implicated in fissure etiology, they are not universally present in patients with anal fissures. Half of all patients with fissures heal with nonoperative management such as high fiber diet, sitz baths, and pharmacological agents. When nonoperative management fails, surgical treatment with lateral internal sphincterotomy has a high success rate. In this chapter, we will review the symptoms, pathophysiology, and management of anal fissures.

Keywords

anal fissure - sphincterotomy - anal pain
 

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