Anal fissure

ACUTE ANAL FISSURE

Based on the duration of the condition, anal fissures are classified as acute and chronic.

An acute anal fissure is a defect in the mucous membrane of the anal canal that has developed recently and is characterized by severe pain. With an acute anal fissure, the pain is severe, constant, but relatively short-lived, occurring only during bowel movements or within 15-20 minutes afterward. Bleeding is usually minimal.

Over time (usually several months), if left untreated, an acute anal fissure becomes chronic.

A chronic anal fissure is characterized by the presence of cicatricial changes, where the edges become dense, and a thickening of the connective tissue forms at the base. With a chronic anal fissure, the pain becomes aching, intensifying not only after bowel movements but also during prolonged forced posture. Patients often complain of "obesity," meaning going to the toilet causes significant psychological discomfort. They begin to abuse laxatives and enemas, become irritable, and suffer from insomnia.

CAUSES OF ANAL FISSES

An anal fissure is almost always caused by trauma. These can include:

• hard stool or undigested food particles
• diarrhea (as the rectal mucosa is irritated by frequent bowel movements)
• anal intercourse
• chronic constipation
• foreign body in the rectum
• exacerbation of hemorrhoidal inflammation, etc.
• Furthermore, poor diet, poor fluid intake, and physical inactivity contribute to the development of constipation and, as a consequence, anal fissures.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of anal fissures begins with collecting complaints and determining the cause, followed by a digital rectal examination. Instrumental diagnostic methods, such as a rectoscopy, are performed only after symptoms have subsided and pain relief has been achieved.

TREATMENT

Acute anal fissures are typically treated with non-surgical methods:

• Eat foods rich in fiber.
• Maintain a fluid intake of at least 1.5 liters per day.
• Use creams or gels to reduce increased anal sphincter tone and improve regeneration, such as ArgiProl.
• The components of ArgiProl gel promote healing of anal fissures:
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid - relaxes the sphincter and improves perianal skin trophism.
• Hyaluronic acid - promotes improved regeneration of the anal mucosa.
• L-Proline - promotes improved skin and mucosal trophism.
• L-Arginine - helps reduce increased anal sphincter tone.

ANAL FISSURE PREVENTION

To prevent anal fissures, eat a healthy diet, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid heavy lifting.