It is a painful tear at the lower end of the anal canal. Why Does An Anal Fissure Occur? Anal fissure typically occur after the passage of a hard constipated motion. It sometimes is associated with other pathological processes in the colon. What Is The Treatment Of Anal Fissures? Like other small tears in the body an anal fissure may heal by itself within 14 – 21 days. During this period a patient should: Increase the fibre in their diet Increase the oral fluid intake Not delay a bowel movement when urge to defecates occurs Apply topical ointments including a local anesthetic ointment and / or glycerol trinitrate preparation Sit in a warm sitz bath 2 – 3 times/day Oral analgesia may be required If inspite of the above no improvement has been achieved, then other interventions may have to be considered. This includes amongst others: Internal Sphincterotomy Botulinum toxin injection Both the above can be done as a day procedure operation with excellent long term results. Recovery