Advanced laser treatment by Dr. Kamalakkhannan
A sharp tearing pain while passing stools, a burning sensation afterwards, or bleeding may indicate an anal fissure. Although common, fissures can significantly affect daily life and should not be ignored.
We offer expert diagnosis and advanced laser treatment for anal fissures, helping patients achieve faster healing and long-term relief.
Many acute fissures heal with medication, a fibre-rich diet, adequate hydration and lifestyle changes over a few weeks. Fissures that persist beyond six weeks or keep coming back are considered chronic, and these usually need a procedure — laser treatment being the least invasive option — because the underlying muscle spasm prevents the tear from healing on its own.
Understanding the Condition
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. It commonly develops due to constipation, passing hard stools, chronic diarrhoea, or excessive straining during bowel movements.
The tear exposes sensitive tissue underneath, which is why the pain is so sharp and out of proportion to the size of the injury. Most fissures occur at the back of the anal opening — the area with the poorest blood supply, and therefore the slowest to heal.
Fissures are common and very treatable. What matters is not letting an acute tear turn into a chronic one.
Warning Signs
You may have an anal fissure if you experience any of the following.
If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, get evaluated. Bleeding can have several causes, and a fissure that is left untreated tends to become chronic and harder to heal. An examination takes minutes and rules out anything more serious.
Why It Persists
A fissure is not simply a wound that needs time. The tear causes intense pain, the pain makes the sphincter muscle go into spasm, and that spasm squeezes shut the small blood vessels supplying the area.
With reduced blood flow, the tear cannot heal — and the next bowel movement reopens it. This is why so many people describe fissures that seem to improve for a week and then return.
Breaking that cycle is the whole point of treatment. Medication and diet can do it for a recent fissure. For a chronic one, a procedure that relieves the muscle spasm is usually what finally allows healing.
Causes
Most fissures trace back to what passes through the anal canal, and how much straining it takes.
Two Stages
How long the fissure has been there largely decides how it is treated.
A fresh tear that often responds to medication, dietary changes and lifestyle modification.
A fissure that persists for several weeks or repeatedly recurs despite treatment. These may require advanced procedures such as laser treatment for long-term healing.
Treatment
For patients with persistent or chronic fissures, laser treatment offers an advanced and minimally invasive solution — relieving the sphincter spasm precisely, so blood flow returns and the tear can finally close.
Treatment recommendations are based on individual examination and severity of the condition.
Common Confusion
Both cause bleeding and discomfort, so they are often mistaken for one another. The pattern of pain is usually the clearest clue, though only an examination gives a definite answer.
| Anal fissure | Piles (hemorrhoids) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Severe, sharp, tearing — during and after passing stools | Often mild, or none at all unless a clot forms |
| Bleeding | Small amount, bright red, on paper or stool surface | Can be heavier, dripping into the toilet |
| Lump | Usually none, though a skin tag may form in chronic cases | Swelling or a lump that may protrude |
| Typical description | "Like passing broken glass" | "Something coming out" or painless bleeding |
| After the bowel movement | Burning that can last hours | Discomfort usually settles quickly |
Fissures and piles frequently occur together. A specialist consultation provides an accurate diagnosis. Read about piles treatment →
What to Expect
A private discussion of your symptoms and a gentle examination to confirm whether the fissure is acute or chronic.
For recent fissures, medication, fibre and hydration are tried first. Surgery is not the automatic answer.
If the fissure is chronic or has not responded, laser treatment is done as a day-care procedure.
Most patients return to routine activities within a short period, with follow-up to confirm healing.
Your Surgeon
Dr. Kamalakkhannan is an experienced laparoscopic and laser surgeon with over 15 years of expertise in anorectal and general surgical conditions.
Patients trust his expertise, compassionate care and commitment to explaining treatment options clearly — including when a procedure is not yet necessary.
Patient Education
Understanding your condition is the first step toward recovery
Clear explanations of causes, warning signs, prevention, diet, the laser procedure and recovery.
Prevention
Simple lifestyle changes reduce the risk of a first fissure — and of recurrence after treatment.
Frequently Asked
Many acute fissures heal with medications, dietary modifications, hydration and lifestyle changes. Chronic fissures may require advanced treatment.
Laser procedures are generally associated with less pain and quicker recovery compared to conventional surgical techniques.
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and treatment method. Many patients return to routine activities within a short period.
Highly processed foods, inadequate fibre intake and dehydration can worsen constipation and symptoms.
Maintaining healthy bowel habits, hydration and a fibre-rich diet can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Both conditions can cause bleeding and discomfort. However, fissures often cause severe pain during bowel movements, whereas piles may cause swelling and bleeding with less intense pain. A specialist consultation can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Our Advantages
We combine advanced laser technology with personalized patient care.
If you are experiencing pain, bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements, don't delay treatment. Consult Dr. Kamalakkhannan at Lapser Multi Speciality Clinic, Chennai, for expert evaluation and advanced treatment options for anal fissure.
The information on this page is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for laser treatment, healing times and outcomes vary from person to person and are determined only after clinical examination. Always consult a qualified doctor about your condition.
