Anal fissure – anatomy, pathogenesis and treatment

Abstract

Anal fissure is a common anorectal condition. While it often presents as a small oval tear in the anoderm, it can cause significant pain and anguish to the patient. The exact etiology is still debatable but increased anal tone is associated with most fissures. The initial management is medical with agents intended to reduce the anal tone. More chronic fissures usually require surgical intervention. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has a high success rates and is considered the gold standard of interventions.
In this article we review the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and contemporary treatment options
for anal fissures.