Anal Fissure Treatment - Laser Surgery Procedure & Operation Benefits

What are the Benefits of Laser Anal Fissure Surgery?

Here are some benefits of laser anal fissure surgery – 

• Minimally invasive: Laser anal fissure surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that results in less pain and discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
• Outpatient procedure: The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
• Fewer complications: Anal fissure laser surgery has a lower risk of complications such as bleeding and infection compared to traditional surgery.
• Short recovery period: The recovery time for anal fissure laser surgery is typically shorter, with patients able to resume normal activities faster.
• Most Effective: Fissure laser surgery is the most effective option for chronic anal fissure treatment that has not responded to other conservative methods.
• High success rate: Fissure laser surgery offers a higher success rate than traditional surgery in preventing fissure recurrence.
• Less pain: The laser seals the nerve endings, resulting in less post-operative pain and discomfort.
• Low risk of anesthesia: The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
• Less scarring: Fissure laser surgery results in minimal scarring, with the incision made by the laser being smaller and more precise.
• Fewer side effects: The procedure is safe, with minimal side effects and a low risk of complications.

How to Prepare Before Anal Fissure Surgery?

While preparing for surgery, it is important to be well-informed about the procedure, what to expect, and self-care tips to help you recover safely after the surgery. 

Some common preparation tips are as follows:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully: Before the surgery, your surgeon will provide you with a set of instructions. Make sure you follow them carefully to ensure a smooth surgery and avoid complications during the procedure.
• Stop smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, stop at least two weeks before the surgery. It is high time to quit smoking as it is always harmful to health. 
• Avoid blood-thinning medications: Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin can increase bleeding during and after the surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on which medications to stop taking before the surgery.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your bowels moving and prevent constipation before the surgery.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber can help prevent constipation and avoid complications during the procedure.
• Prepare your home: Before the surgery, make sure your home is clean and comfortable. Arrange all the stuff beforehand that you may need during your recovery period.

How to Recover After Anal Fissure Surgery?

The recovery period may vary depending on the type of treatment, surgical or non-surgical. Usually, non-surgical treatment approaches may take a much longer time to cure fissures as compared to anal fissure laser surgery. 

Medications

It takes between 4 to 8 weeks for anal fissures to heal with medication. However, the recovery period may be even longer based on individual factors such as age, general health, and the severity of the fissure. Also, it is important to note that medication alone may not be sufficient for complete healing. It is recommended to consult a proctologist for proper diagnosis and the best treatment option. 

Home remedies

There is no fixed timeline for healing anal fissures with home remedies, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the fissure and the effectiveness of the remedies used. However, it is important to note that home remedies may not work for everyone, and if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Open Surgery 

Recovery time after open surgery typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks, during which you may experience some discomfort and pain. To speed up the healing process, it’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions and take rest.

Laser Surgery

You may take up to 1-2 weeks to recover completely after the laser anal fissure surgery, lateral internal sphincterotomy. But you can return to your normal routine within a week after the anal fissure laser surgery for anal fissures. It is the best and most effective procedure to treat anal fissures within a short period of time. 

Here are some general tips to help you recover safely after anal fissure surgery. 

• Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activities for up to 1 week after the procedure.
• Keep the surgical area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a week after surgery.
• Eat a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and strain during bowel movements.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and soften stools.
• Use a sitz bath to soothe the surgical area and promote healing.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care and follow-up appointments

What are the Risks and Complications Associated with Anal Fissure Surgery?

Like any surgery, anal fissure surgery is also associated with some risks and complications, including;

• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries the risk of infection. Proper hygiene and post-operative care can help minimize this risk. 
• Bleeding: Bleeding is a common complication of anal fissure surgery. The risk of bleeding can be reduced by avoiding blood-thinning medications before the surgery.
• Pain: Pain is a common side effect of anal fissure surgery. Take your over-the-counter medications to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
• Incontinence: In rare cases, anal fissure surgery can result in incontinence, or the inability to control bowel movements.
• Anal Stenosis: Anal fissure surgery can result in anal stenosis in rare cases, a narrowing of the anus that can make bowel movements difficult or painful. 
• Abscess: In rare cases, anal fissure surgery can result in an abscess, which may require further treatment.
• Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications used during the surgery.
• Nerve Damage: In rare cases, anal fissure surgery can result in anal nerve damage, which may cause numbness or tingling in the anal area.
• Recurrence: Anal fissure surgery can successfully treat the condition, but there are chances that fissures may recur. Repeat surgery may be necessary.

What Lifestyle Changes to Make After Anal Fissure Treatment Through Surgery?

There are several lifestyle changes help relieve discomfort and promote safe recovery, as well as minimize the chances of recurrence after anal fissure surgery. 

• Maintain a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the stool soft and prevent further injury to the anal area.
• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, as it can increase pressure on the rectal area.
• Take regular breaks and walk around to improve blood circulation in the rectal area.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.
• Use sitz baths or warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling in the anal area.
• Keep the anal area clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods that irritate the anal area and cause discomfort.
• Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor to manage post-surgical discomfort.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

What is the Cost of Anal Fissure Surgery?

The cost of anal fissure typically ranges between INR 25,000 to INR 30,000. The final cost of anal fissure surgery can be different for each individual depending on various factors such as hospitalization charges, consultation charges of proctologists, choice of hospital, insurance coverage, cost of anesthesia, charges of an anesthesiologist, severity of the condition, cost of diagnostic tests, etc. 

Usually, anal fissure surgeries are covered under health insurance, but you should ask your insurance provider about the coverage of your policy. 

If you choose Pristyn Care for anal fissure treatment, our dedicated insurance team can help you in claiming your insurance on your behalf and make your treatment journey as easy as possible. 

What are the Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Anal Fissure?

Fissures can be treated at home by non-surgical treatments if it is diagnosed in their initial stage. Some non-surgical treatments for anal fissures are discussed below:

Home Remedies 

There are some home remedies and self-care tips that may relieve the pain and discomfort associated with mild anal fissures and allow them to heal properly. 

• Aloe Vera: Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area for relief.
• Sitz bath: Sit in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times a day to reduce pain and discomfort. 
• Cold compress: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or juices and take fiber-rich foods to keep your digestive system healthy and reduce the chances of hydration. 
• Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the affected area for relief.
• Petroleum jelly: Use petroleum jelly to lubricate the anus and reduce friction during bowel movements.
• Witch hazel: Apply witch hazel to the affected area to reduce pain and itching.

Ointments

Here’s a list of the best ointments available in the market to relieve anal fissures discomfort. 

• Shield Rectal Ointment: Sheild ointment is composed of allantoin, lidocaine, hydrocortisone acetate and zinc oxide. This ointment is very effective in relieving pain and discomfort associated with fissures. You can apply it 2-3 times a day. The cost of this ointment is INR 73 for 15g. 

• Doctor Butler’s Fissure Ointment: It can give you immediate over-the-counter relief of anal burning and discomfort. This ointment is a combination of medical and herbal ingredients. The cost of doctor butler’s cream is INR 2458 for 28g.

• Anovate cream: Anovate cream is used to relieve pain and discomfort of anal fissures. It contains beclomethasone, lidocaine/lignocaine and phenylephrine. The cost of anovate cream is INR 97 for 20g. 
• Lignocaine Gel for Fissure: Lidocaine is the most commonly prescribed topical anesthetic for anal fissures. It contains Alcuronium, Amphotericin B, Amprenavir etc. the cost of lignocaine gel is INR 30 for 10g. 

Medications 

• Lidocaine is the most commonly prescribed topical anesthetic for anal fissures.
• For chronic anal fissure treatment, the first-line medication used to relax the anal muscles is topical nitroglycerin.

What are the Signs of a Healing Fissure?

With surgical or non-surgical treatment, anal fissures heal over time. Here are some indications which show that the fissure is healing.

• Reduced pain or no pain during bowel movements.
• Decreased bleeding during bowel movements.
• Improvement in itching or irritation around the anal area.
• Smaller fissure size or closure of the fissure.
• Reduced discomfort during sitting or prolonged standing.
• Increased ability to pass stool without straining or pain.
• Decreased frequency of bowel movements.
• Better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Improved energy levels and overall health.
• Increased confidence in daily activities.

What Happens if Anal Fissure is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, anal fissures can lead to chronic pain and discomfort and various serious complications.

• Over time, untreated anal fissures can cause scar tissue to form, which can make bowel movements even more painful.
• In severe cases, untreated anal fissures can lead to infections and abscesses in the anorectal path.
• If left untreated, anal fissures can cause persistent pain and discomfort.
• The pain may worsen during bowel movements and can last for hours afterward.
• In some cases, anal fissures can cause bleeding during bowel movements.
• The bleeding may be bright red or dark red and can be accompanied by pain.
• If anal fissures are left untreated, they can lead to the formation of a fistula.

To avoid complications, it is important to seek medical treatment for anal fissures as soon as possible.

What Foods You Should Eat If You Have An Anal Fissure?

Maintaining a healthy diet is always beneficial. Here are some foods that you should add to your diet to relieve anal fissure discomfort. 

• Take high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables can help prevent constipation as constipation can worsen your anal fissures.
• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread can also help with regular bowel movements.
• Lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, and tofu can provide necessary nutrients without causing discomfort.
• Low-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk can be beneficial for digestion.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and easy to pass.
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds can provide healthy fats and fiber.
• Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can help soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
• Olive oil and other healthy fats can help lubricate the digestive system and prevent irritation.
• Sweet potatoes and squash can provide important vitamins and nutrients without causing discomfort.

What Foods You Should Avoid If You Have An Anal Fissure?

Here are some foods you should avoid if you have anal fissures, as they can alleviate pain and discomfort. 

• Spicy foods can irritate the anal lining and worsen the condition of anal fissures.
• Citrus fruits and juices might cause discomfort and exacerbate anal fissure symptoms.
• Avoid consuming foods that are high in fat, as they can slow down the digestive process and lead to constipation, which can aggravate anal fissures.
• Processed foods can be difficult to digest and may contribute to constipation, which can worsen anal fissures.
• Fried foods are high in fat and can cause digestive issues, leading to constipation and worsening anal fissures.
• Avoid consuming dairy products such as cheese and milk as they can cause constipation and make anal fissures worse.
• Red meat is difficult to digest and can cause constipation, which can worsen anal fissure symptoms.
• Nuts and seeds can cause irritation in the digestive tract and worsen anal fissures if consumed in large amounts.
• Spicy condiments like hot sauce and chili paste can irritate the anal lining and make anal fissure symptoms worse.
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it can dehydrate the body and lead to constipation, which can worsen anal fissures.