An anal fissure can be irritating, and it can mess with your daily activities. The best specialists that can help you include a gastroenterologist and or a colorectal surgeon.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who has a specialized training and experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system.
Gastroenterologists are helpful in the treatment of any condition involving the following organs:
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Esophagus
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Colon
- Rectum
A gastroenterologist makes a medical diagnosis based on your medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and results of diagnostic tests.
The physical exam involves the assessment of your anus and anal canal.
A topical anesthesia is applied to your anus and anal canal. Then, a cotton applicator is inserted inside your anus to locate where the pain is. This physical exam can tell your doctor whether you have an acute or chronic fissure.
You may also be required to undergo either colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Usually, patients who are below fifty years old and have distinctive anal tears undergo sigmoidoscopy. Whereas, patients with a history of colon cancer are usually advised to go for a colonoscopy.
Depending on the extent and nature of your condition, the following non-surgical treatments may be recommended to you:
- Fiber therapy
- Laxative
- Sitz bath
- Topical Anesthetics
- Topical Steroids
- Topical Nifedipine
- Topical Nitroglycerin
- Botulinum toxin injection
If medical treatments fail or if you have a chronic anal fissure, you may be referred to a colorectal surgeon. Chronic fissures, which are recurrent for more than 6 months are best treated by a colorectal surgeon.
Colorectal surgeons are also known as proctologists or a colon and rectal surgeons. They deal with disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and the anus.
The aim of surgical treatments is to remove the anal fissure. The following treatments may be offered to a patient:
- Anal advancement flap coverage
- Fissurectomy
- Lateral internal sphincterectomy
Helpful Tips to Get You Ready for Your Appointment
- Make a list of all the symptoms you’ve experienced, previous illnesses, family medical history, and medications or supplements you are taking. This information will be helpful to your physician.
- Ask your doctor about relevant information like the following:
- Cause of your symptoms
- Extent of your condition
- Tests you need to undergo and how you will prepare for such tests
- Dietary suggestions
- Restrictions
- Best course of action for your condition
- Alternative approaches
- How treatment or surgery will be performed
- Bring a significant other during your consultation to have somebody to verify any information you heard from your doctor.
- While waiting for your appointment, take self-preventive measures to avoid constipation. Eat a high fiber diet, drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, and do not strain during bowel movements.
Both gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons are helpful in the treatment of anal fissure.
If you have an acute fissure, a gastroenterologist would be helpful. But, if you have a chronic fissure, it would be best to visit a colorectal surgeon.
A gastroenterologist may also refer you to a surgeon if your condition is not treatable by any medical treatment.
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