FAQ Category: ANAL FISSURE AND HEMORRHOIDS

Rubber band ligation: A common procedure where a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to fall off. Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected to shrink the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of the hemorrhoid for large or severe cases.

Prescription creams: Medications like nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers can relax the anal sphincter muscle to help the fissure heal. Botox injections: A small amount of botulinum toxin can be injected to relax the muscle, promoting healing. Surgery: A surgical procedure called a lateral internal sphincterotomy is highly effective for chronic fissures that don’t respond…

A doctor can often diagnose both with a simple physical exam. For anal fissures, they may gently separate the buttocks to see the tear. For hemorrhoids, a digital rectal exam or an anoscopy (using a small, lighted tube) may be used to examine the anal canal.  

For most mild cases, yes. Home treatments are often the first line of defense for both conditions and include: High-fiber diet: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to soften stools and prevent straining. Sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, a few times a day, to soothe the area…

The key difference lies in what they are: Anal Fissure: A small tear or cut in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus. Think of it like a “paper cut” in the anal canal. Hemorrhoid: A swollen vein in the anus or lower rectum, similar to a varicose vein. These can be inside the…