Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Treatment to correct a tear in the skin lining inside of the anus
Typical Hospital Stay
Same day discharge
General
Yes
Yes
Once the skin lining the inside of the anus has a tear, the muscle underneath it can go into spasm. This tightens the anus further making it more painful and difficult to open your bowels, particularly if you remain constipated. You may also find that you pass blood and have a sore anus for a few hours after each bowel movement.
Some fissures heal on their own and this healing process can be helped by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and drinking lots of fluid to avoid constipation. Surgery may be needed if they don’t heal on their own.
According to clinical sources, as well as constipation, other triggers for an anal fissure can include inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, persistent diarrhoea, pregnancy and childbirth, having tight sphincter muscles and – occasionally – a sexually transmitted infection such as herpes or syphilis.
At Sussex Premier Health, you will have a formal consultation with a Consultant Surgeon . During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
On the day of your operation, our ward staff will show you to your own private room. Your private room will have an en-suite bathroom and TV and Wi-Fi facilities.
Anal sphincterotomy surgery is done under general anaesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure and will feel no pain.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make a cut in the ring of muscle (the sphincter) that controls the opening and closing of the anus. This will relax the sphincter and help prevent spasm. This means you will need to strain less when you go to the toilet, allowing the fissure to heal.
Your surgeon will make the cut in such a way that it should not allow the anus to open too easily and affect your continence (the ability to control gas and bowel movements).
Afterwards, a pad dressing will be put into your anus to help stop bleeding.
The operation to treat an anal fissure is usually performed as a day-case, but occasionally you may need to stay overnight in hospital.
After the procedure, you will be taken to your room where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive.
For guidance on pain relief and your recovery time, please see our patient information sections below.
After an operation to repair an anal fissure, you are likely to feel sore for a number of days. If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you’ve left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
The wound can take up to four weeks to heal, after which time you should be able to resume normal activities.
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us.
After surgery for an anal fissure, we will provide you with advice and follow-up support.
At your follow-up appointment your surgeon will decide whether you need to continue with daily dressings.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery for an anal fissure can occur.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health.
Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
At Sussex Premier Health, your procedure will be performed by your consultant surgeon.
Our self-pay team will be able to give you a guide price for anal fissure surgery.
To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 
info@sussexpremierhealth.com 
01424 757400