Anal Fissure Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a split in the delicate skin lining the anal canal, usually at the back (posterior midline). It often starts with passing a hard stool or with severe diarrhoea. Pain causes the internal sphincter muscle to spasm, which reduces blood flow and stops the tear healing, creating a cycle of pain and re-tearing. Fissures that last more than about six to eight weeks are considered chronic and may develop a skin tag (sentinel pile).

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Sharp, tearing pain during bowel movements, often lasting minutes to hours afterward
Bright red blood on the toilet paper
Fear of opening the bowels, leading to more constipation
A small skin tag near the tear in chronic cases

Fissures in unusual positions, multiple fissures or those with fistulas can be linked to Crohn's disease, infections or other conditions, so these need further evaluation.

What happens at the clinic

History: pain pattern, bleeding, bowel habits and diet.
Gentle exam: the doctor parts the buttocks to see the tear; a finger or anoscope exam is often avoided when pain is severe.
Treatment start: ointment, stool softeners and fibre advice.
Review: a check after several weeks.
Escalation: Botox or surgery if the fissure has not healed.

Treatment outlook

Soft, easy stools are the foundation: fibre, water and a stool softener. Warm sitz baths relax the sphincter. Prescription ointments containing glyceryl trinitrate or diltiazem relax the muscle and improve blood flow; diltiazem tends to cause fewer headaches. For chronic fissures, Botox injected into the sphincter relaxes it temporarily. Lateral internal sphincterotomy, a small cut in part of the internal sphincter, has the highest healing rate for chronic fissures that resist other treatment.

Risks and side effects

Nitrate ointment commonly causes headaches. Botox may cause temporary minor leakage of gas or stool. Sphincterotomy carries a small risk of long-term minor incontinence, which is discussed carefully before surgery.

Choosing a clinic for anal fissure treatment in Seomyeon

Choose a colorectal surgeon who will try medical treatment before surgery when appropriate.
Ask which ointment is prescribed and how to apply it correctly.
For chronic fissures, ask about Botox versus sphincterotomy and their respective risks.
Ask whether colonoscopy or other tests are needed if the fissure is atypical.
Ask about pain relief options during the healing period.

Visitor tip

Travel, dehydration and diet changes are common triggers. Seomyeon's proctology clinics are an easy ride from Busan Station on Line 1.

How long does an anal fissure take to heal?

Acute fissures often heal within four to eight weeks with soft stools and ointment. Chronic fissures may take longer and sometimes need Botox or minor surgery.

Why does an anal fissure hurt so much?

The anal lining is very sensitive, and the tear triggers spasm of the internal sphincter muscle. This spasm causes intense pain and reduces blood flow, slowing healing.

Is it a fissure or hemorrhoids?

Fissures typically cause sharp pain during bowel movements, while internal hemorrhoids usually bleed without much pain. Both can cause bright red blood. A doctor can tell them apart with a quick exam.

Does fissure surgery cause incontinence?

Lateral internal sphincterotomy carries a small risk of minor leakage of gas or stool. Surgeons divide only part of the muscle to minimise this. Discuss your personal risk beforehand.

Can I prevent fissures from coming back?

Keep stools soft with fibre and fluids, avoid straining, respond promptly to the urge to go and treat diarrhoea early. These habits greatly reduce recurrence.

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