Anal Fissure

Key points

• Anal fissures are longitudinal or elliptical tears of the squamous lining of the distal anal canal. If present for less than 6 weeks they are defined as acute, and chronic if present for more than 6 weeks.
• inflammatory bowel disease
• sexually transmitted infections e.g. HIV, syphilis, herpes Features
• painful, bright red, rectal bleeding Management of an acute anal fissure (< 6 weeks)
• dietary advice: high-fibre diet with high fluid intake