Anal Fissure

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about the history of your condition and perform a physical exam, which may include using an anoscope to view the anal canal.

The fissure's location offers clues about its cause. A fissure that occurs on the side of the anal opening, rather than the back or front, is more likely to be a sign of another disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

To rule out other disorders, your doctor might use a:

• Proctoscope — to examine the rectum and lower portion of the colon
• Flexible sigmoidoscope or colonoscope — to view the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon

If the fissure is especially painful, you might be given sedation or general anesthesia for the examination.

Read more about flexible sigmoidoscopy at MayoClinic.com