Anal Fissure

Overview

An anal fissure is a painful tear in the lining of the anal canal. People often become aware of fissures when passing a large, hard stool. Fissures can be caused by bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease. Anal fissures often heal by themselves. Chronic (long-lasting) fissures may require medication or surgery.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic colon and rectal doctors treat hundreds of people each year who have anal fissures. They are skilled at assessing causes of fissures and recognizing coexisting conditions.
• Team approach. Specialists in colon and rectal surgery work together with experts in digestive diseases (gastroenterology) to determine if there is an underlying bowel disease.
• Conservative approach. Mayo doctors reserve surgical treatment for people whose fissures do not respond to self-care or medication.

Read more about anal fissures on MayoClinic.com.