Anal fissures can be acute or chronic. An acute fissure is a superficial tear and a short-term condition. A chronic fissure is deeper and may expose underlying muscle. When lifestyle and diet changes and medication fail, and the condition becomes chronic, surgery is recommended.

An anal fissure is a tear in the skin inside the anal canal. When this skin is torn, you may have pain with each bowel movement along with anal bleeding. An anal abscess is an infection of the gland inside the anus that causes it to fill with pus. After the abscess is drained, there may be a tunnel from the anus to the skin. This tunnel is an anal fistula. An anal fistula can cause anal pain, fever, and drainage. Sphincterotomy surgery allows an anal fissure or fistula to heal. A small part of the anal sphincter muscle is cut to open the anal canal. This relieves pressure when you move your bowels and allows a fissure to heal. Don’t go untreated. Listed below you will find expert colorectal surgeons around Tacoma that can give you more information and take care of your medical condition.