Are You Afraid of Fissure Surgery? Here’s a Simple Guide to Get You Ready
It’s likely that you have been enduring the pain, bleeding, and discomfort of an anal fissure for some time if you are reading this. The most efficient and long-lasting treatment is fissure surgery when sitz baths, medications, and home cures fail. However, when you don’t know what to anticipate, surgery, no matter how minor, can be stressful.
We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you comprehend the procedure, lower your level of anxiety, and get ready both physically and emotionally for a speedy recovery.
What is Fissure Surgery, and Why Is It Done?
Fissure surgery is a medical procedure aimed at treating chronic or non-healing anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal, often caused by constipation, passing hard stools, or straining during bowel movements.
When lifestyle changes and medications fail to heal the fissure over 6–8 weeks, surgery becomes necessary. The goal is to reduce internal anal pressure, improve blood flow, and allow the tear to heal completely—while preventing it from coming back.
Types of Fissure Surgery:
1. LIS or lateral internal sphincterotomy
In order to relieve tension, the most popular procedure involves cutting a tiny section of the internal anal sphincter muscle. Improved blood flow and healing are made possible by this.
2. Laser Surgery for Fissures
A less invasive method that treats the fissure and lowers inflammation by using precise laser energy. It causes less pain, speeds up healing, and doesn’t require any cuts or stitches.
Before the Procedure: How to Prepare for Fissure Surgery
There is more to preparing for anal fissure surgery than simply showing up at the clinic. It involves getting your body ready, comprehending the process, and learning how to facilitate your recuperation.
1. Consultation Before Surgery
Have a detailed conversation with your colorectal surgeon. Talk about all of your medical history, including any allergies, current prescriptions, and prior surgeries. In order to determine whether surgery is the best course of action, you will also have a physical examination or a rectal scan.
2. Fasting and Bowel Preparation
You might be instructed to refrain from eating solid foods for eight to twelve hours prior to surgery, depending on the surgeon’s advice. A mild laxative might also be necessary for some procedures in order to guarantee that the bowels are empty.
3. Organize Support and Transportation
Fissure surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. But for the first twenty-four hours after surgery, you will need someone to drive you and possibly help you.
4. Mental Preparation
Understanding the fissure surgery process can reduce anxiety. It’s a safe, commonly performed surgery with a high success rate. Many patients report noticeable relief just a few days after the procedure.
What Happens During Fissure Surgery?
Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Depending on your case, the surgeon may use local, spinal, or general anesthesia to ensure comfort.
- Procedure Duration: Most fissure surgeries, including laser treatments, take 30 to 60 minutes.
- Technique: In an LIS procedure, a small incision is made to cut a part of the sphincter muscle. In laser fissure surgery, a fiber-optic laser device is used to precisely target the affected area.
The goal in both approaches is to relieve pressure and allow natural healing without interfering with your ability to control bowel movements.
Post-Surgery: What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from fissure surgery is typically smooth, especially if you follow post-op care instructions carefully.
1. Recovery Time
LIS recovery typically allows you to return to routine activities in 5–7 days.
With laser surgery, some patients resume normal work in just 2–3 days.
Full healing generally occurs within 3–4 weeks.
2. Pain Management
Some discomfort or a burning sensation is normal for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to help you stay comfortable.
3. Bowel Care
To avoid straining:
- Use a prescribed stool softener
- Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water a day
- Avoid spicy and oily foods for the first week
4. Sitz Baths and Hygiene
Taking a warm water sitz bath for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day, helps keep the area clean and relieves discomfort. Pat dry gently and maintain hygiene to prevent infections.
5. Follow-up Visits
Most surgeons will schedule a check-up within 7–10 days to monitor healing and make any medication adjustments.
Conclusion: Be Informed, Be Ready
Being well-prepared for fissure surgery is the first step toward a smoother recovery and long-term relief. Whether you opt for conventional or laser fissure surgery, knowing what to expect reduces stress and improves your healing experience. At GutCare Clinics, our colorectal experts perform advanced, minimally invasive fissure treatments with personalized care and guidance at every stage.
If you’re in Bangalore and struggling with a chronic fissure, it’s time to take the next step.
Contact GutCare Clinics to learn more about your treatment options.
FAQs About Fissure Surgery
1. Does surgery for fissures hurt?
After surgery, the majority of patients only report minor pain or discomfort. Medication effectively manages pain, which typically goes away in a few days.
2. How long does it take to recover from fissure surgery?
Depending on the type of procedure, your overall health, and how closely you follow post-operative instructions, recovery can take anywhere from one to four weeks.
3. Is laser fissure surgery more successful?
Many patients heal more quickly after laser surgery because it is less invasive and causes less bleeding. It’s perfect for people who want to heal more quickly and with less discomfort.
4. Will I need to spend the night in the hospital?
No, fissure surgery is typically a daycare procedure, and you can usually return home the same day.
5. Can a fissure come back after surgery?
Recurrent fissures are rare if you follow proper bowel habits, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid constipation.
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