Anal Fissure - Anal Fistula
An anal fissure is a narrow tear or ulcer extending up the lining of the anal canal, usually the cause of a large hard stool, from rectal surgery, or from the presence of hemorrhoids. The outstanding symptom consists of severe pain at the time of a bowel movement. During healing, an analgesic ointment or suppository will relieve pain, but curing the constipation is very important. Drinking lots of water and incorporating a high fiber diet along with the use of a stool softener should bring about complete healing. Severe cases may require surgical repair to prevent possible abscess formation.
Anal fistula
An anal fistula is a tiny passageway extending from the anal canal or an underlying abscess to the surface of the skin near the anal opening, through which watery pus drains. This causes skin irritation with itching and burning. Usually caused by an extension of an anal abscess, the disorder may result from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or colon cancer. Surgical repair is usually curative.
