What department should I go to for an anal fissure?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on June 18, 2025
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We have an anal fissure and need to go to the hospital for immediate treatment. But what is an anal fissure? As the name suggests, "anal" refers to the anal canal, and "fissure" means a split. Simply put, an anal fissure is a crack at the end of the rectum, forming a small ulcer, which is commonly referred to as an anal fissure. The main symptom is passing bloody stools, and the bleeding is very painful. If you have this condition, you need to go to the hospital in time for treatment. Treatment options may include conservative management or surgery, depending on the case. You should visit the proctology department at general hospitals if available. If there is no specific proctology department, you can also seek treatment in departments specializing in anorectal disorders or general surgery.

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Is anal fissure serious?

People often ask whether anal fissures are serious and what the consequences might be if they are not treated. Although treating anal fissures is not particularly difficult clinically, many patients, due to a lack of treatment knowledge and awareness of the condition, often delay treatment, which can cause some harm to their health. If an anal fissure is not treated, in addition to the pain during bowel movements and bleeding that the fissure itself causes, over time, it could also lead to conditions such as anal fistula and hypertrophied anal papillae. At the end of the fissure, a sentinel pile may develop. Due to the repeated irritation by fecal matter in an inflamed fissure, a linear ulcer may form. The skin and subcutaneous tissue around the anus might undergo fibrosis, thickening, or. form a hard lump. If the fissure repeatedly becomes infected, it can lead to the development of an anal sinus, and after infection, it may cause subcutaneous fistulas or abscesses. Of course, if an anal fissure persists over time, due to long-term spasm and fibrosis of the internal sphincter, it can lead to consequences such as anal stenosis.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Anal fissure: hot compress or cold compress?

During the acute phase of an anal fissure, patients can choose either hot or cold compresses. The clinical symptoms suitable for hot and cold therapy differ. Hot compresses primarily involve the use of herbal washes, where heat helps the medicated solution penetrate the local fissure, promoting healing and contraction of the mucous membrane. The principle behind cold compresses is that, during the acute phase, when the local fissure pain is particularly intense, cold compresses can reduce or alleviate the pain. Besides conservative hot or cold compress treatments, surgery can also be an option after repeated occurrences. The surgical method typically involves an endoscopic loosening procedure. (Use of specific medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Xiao Jie
Internal Medicine
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What should be paid attention to for anal fissures?

The occurrence of anal fissures is highly related to constipation. Therefore, for patients with anal fissures, treating and preventing constipation is the most important approach. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits, consume fewer spicy and stimulating foods, and reduce the intake of greasy foods. The diet should be light, drink more water, and pay attention to local hygiene. Furthermore, patients with anal fissures should avoid sitting or squatting for long periods to prevent aggravating the condition. If symptoms such as fever, difficulty defecating, or severe pain around the anus occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for examination to rule out other conditions. Regular participation in physical exercise is recommended to promote intestinal movement and facilitate defecation.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a colonoscopy be performed with an anal fissure?

Patients with anal fissures are advised not to undergo colonoscopy, primarily because the procedure involves inserting the colonoscope through the anus, and anal fissures typically occur within the local sphincter muscles. The passage, or repeated movement, of the probe can cause local fissures to experience painful stimulation, or even worsen the symptoms of the fissures, increasing the likelihood of pain and bleeding for the patient afterwards. Therefore, if patients with anal fissures wish to undergo colonoscopy, they should first receive appropriate medical treatment and wait for the local fissures to heal or be completely cured before undergoing the procedure. If a colonoscopy is necessary, a lubricant can also be applied to the anal region to reduce the irritation of the colonoscope on local fissures.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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How to cure anal fissure bleeding

Anal fissures are a common anorectal disorder, primarily characterized by the formation of small ulcers due to skin lacerations below the dentate line. The main symptoms are bleeding and pain during defecation. Generally, the amount of bleeding is small, noticeable on toilet paper or with a trace of blood on stools. The primary principle of treatment is to address the spasms of the internal sphincter to facilitate the healing of the wound. Common treatment methods include anal dilation and surgical excision, with the overall objective being to alleviate sphincter spasms and promote wound healing. Only when the issue of the anal fissure is resolved will the bleeding gradually alleviate.