Anal fissure: a review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Anal fissures are a frequent cause of patient visits to general and colorectal clinics.
• Acute presentations to hospitals for anal fissures also occur.
• Historically, surgery was a primary treatment, but conservative methods now dominate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the key aspects of anal fissure management.
• To discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of anal fissures.
• To emphasize the current first-line approach to anal fissures.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on anal fissures.
• Synthesis of information on causes and development.
• Analysis of current treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Conservative remedies demonstrate high healing rates, reaching up to 85%.
• Non-surgical interventions have largely superseded surgical procedures.
• Understanding etiology and pathogenesis informs effective treatment.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management is the established first-line treatment for anal fissures.
• Effective treatment relies on understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians.