Abstract

Anal fissures are considered one of the most common causes of severe pain in the anal region. Management of anal fissures has rapidly progressed in the last 15 years as an understanding of fissure pathophysiology has developed. All methods of treatment aim to reduce the anal sphincter spasm associated with chronic anal fissures. The present study was designed to evaluate the morphology, etiology, location, and symptoms of anal fissures in the general population visiting a tertiary care hospital. Method: A prospective study was conducted at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, attached to the Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. The study included 100 patients who attended the surgical OPD or were admitted to IPD with a diagnosis of fissure in ano. The patients were assessed for their symptoms, signs, possible etiology, duration, morphology, and location of the fissure (anterior or posterior). Result: The study revealed that out of 100 patients who presented with an anal fissure on rectal examination, 95 (95.0%) had only one fissure, of which 72 (72.0%) were male and 28 (28.0%) were female. It was observed that 72 (72.0%) patients had posterior anal fissures and 28 (28.0%) patients had anterior anal fissures. A low-fiber diet and inadequate intake of water were found to be significantly associated with anal fissures. Conclusion: The study revealed that anal fissures are a very painful condition associated with irregular bowel habits, a low-fiber diet, and inadequate water intake in young adults, with the posterior midline being the most common site of the fissure. Patients should be provided with health education in order for them to adopt lifestyle changes that will help limit the progression of the disease.

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