Question:

How long does it take for an anal fissure to heal after a fissurectomy and when should I seek further surgery? I have tried various methods to get rid of this thing, but it still tears from once to twice a week. Specifically, I`ve tried stool softeners, osmotics, get regular tea, metamucil, milk of magnesia, changing my diet, taking sitz baths, and drinking more water. I have had this fissure for 14 months now. I had the fissurectomy in May 2008. What would be the best way for me to approach this thing? I have been in to see doctors, but implementing their latest suggestions gave me jock itch, athlete`s foot, and a yeast infection. As such, how does one heal something that won`t heal and use measures that won`t make your situation worse?

Answer:

Additional surgery may not be the answer. First, talk to your surgeon about your EXACT symptoms. They may or may not be fissure-related. If they ARE, and ultrasound to determine if your sphincterotomy was complete might be a reasonable thing to do. Botox injection of a persistent anal fissure might be reasonable as well. Topical steroid preparations could be helpful. If your symptoms are NOT fissure-related, then identifying the true problem and treating it if possible is the answer. In any case, continue the supplements that are helping you have soft easy BM.

For more information:

Go to the Colorectal Diseases health topic.