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Anal fissure

Definition:
An anal fissure is a small split or tear in the anal mucosa that may cause painful bowel movements and bleeding. There may be blood on the outside of the stool or on the toilet tissue following a bowel movement.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anal fissures are extremely common in young infants but may occur at any age. Studies suggest 80% of infants will have had an anal fissure by age one. Most fissures heal on their own and do not require treatment, aside from good diaper hygeine. However, some fissures may require medical treatment.

The incidence of anal fissures decreases rapidly with age. Fissures are much less common among school-aged children than among infants.

In adults, fissures may be caused by constipation, particularly when passing large, hard stools, or by prolonged diarrhea. In older adults, anal fissures may be caused by decreased blood flow to the area.

Anal fissures are also common in women after childbirth and people with Crohn's disease.



Review Date: 10/28/2002
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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