Dr. Arun S. Nair

How To Know If Laser Surgery For Anal Fissure Is Needed

Anal fissures are a common condition affecting numerous people, with an estimated prevalence of around 18% in the general population in India. These painful slits in the lining of the anus can significantly impact day-to-day life, leading to discomfort during bowel movements and affecting overall well-being. In this blog, Dr. Arun Nair, a trusted gastroenterologist in Thrissur, will guide you through effective treatment options acclimating to your requirements.

Anal fissures are small slits in the lining of the anus, generally caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or diarrhea. The primary symptom of an anal fissure is sharp pain during or after bowel motions, along with possible bleeding. You might also note itching or discomfort around the anal area.

Initially, non-surgical methods are recommended to treat anal fissures. These include:

  • Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber input and drinking plenty of water can weaken droppings and reduce strain during bowel motions.
  • Topical Medications: Ointments and creams, similar to nitroglycerin or nifedipine, can support and relax the anal sphincter muscles, allowing the fissure to cure.
  • Stool Softeners: These can prevent further irritation to the fissure.
  • Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10- 20 minutes several times a day can support soothe the pain and promote recovery.

Laser surgery is usually recommended for fissure treatment in Thrissur when:

  • Chronic Fissures: If the fissure hasn’t healed after 6- 8 weeks of treatment, it’s considered chronic and may require surgery.
  • Reoccurring Fissures: If the fissure heals but keeps coming back, a more developed treatment might be necessary.
  • Severe Pain: If the pain becomes unbearable and nonsurgical treatments aren’t providing relief, laser surgery might be the best option.
  • Complications: If the fissure is accompanied by other complications, like abscesses or fistulas, surgical intervention may be required.

Laser surgery for anal fissures in Thrissur is a minimally invasive procedure that provides quicker reclamation and lower pain compared to traditional surgery.

Here’s how it works?

  • Precision: A focused laser beam is utilized to make precise cuts, which helps reduce trauma to the surrounding tissues.
  • Muscle Relaxation: The laser can also be utilized to relax the sphincter muscles, which frequently cause chronic fissures by remaining too tight.
  • Minimum Blood Loss: The laser cauterizes as it cuts, reducing blood loss and lowering the threat of infection.
  • Quick reclamation: Since there’s less damage to surrounding tissues, reclamation is quick, and patients can return to usual activities sooner.

While laser surgery is effective for treating anal fissures, there are specific situations where it may not be suitable:

  • Responsive to Non-Surgical Treatments: If your fissure is healing well with salutary changes, coprolite softeners, or topical creams, surgery may not be necessary.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions similar to unbridled diabetes, severe heart or lung issues, or blood clotting diseases can increase surgical pitfalls.
  • Active Infections: If there’s an infection in the anal area, surgery should be delayed until it’s treated.
  • Pregnancy: Laser surgery is generally avoided during pregnancy unless necessary.
  • Acute Fissures: Recent fissures( lower than six weeks old) generally respond well to conservative treatments.
  • Allergic Reactions: A history of severe antipathetic responses to anesthesia may make surgery unwise.
  • Complicated Anorectal Conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s disease may need different treatment approaches.

In conclusion, laser surgery can be an effective option for treating chronic anal fissures, but it’s important to evaluate each case carefully. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an anal fissure, consider booking an appointment with Dr. Arun Nair, a trusted proctologist in Thrissur. He provides personalized care and effective treatments for fissure treatment in Thrissur, ensuring you get the best care possible.