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Anal fissure in Murcia: questions answered by Dr. Cutillas
In short
- What it is: a small tear in the lining of the anal canal, one of the most painful conditions of the anal area.
- Treatment: many cases heal without an operation. If it becomes chronic, options include an injection of neuromodulators, done in the consulting room, or surgery.
- Healing time: 4 to 8 weeks with medical treatment; 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
- Who: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, digestive surgeon and specialist in coloproctology, who sees patients in English, Spanish and French.
- Where: Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
- Appointments: message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47.
What is an anal fissure and why does it hurt so much?
At Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city, anal fissures are treated on an individual basis by Dr. Cutillas Abellán, a specialist in coloproctology. An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal. It is one of the most painful conditions of the anal and rectal area because the wound is stretched every time you pass stools. The pain is intense and burning, and can last for hours afterwards. It usually comes with slight bleeding and spasm of the internal anal sphincter.
What causes an anal fissure?
The most common cause is constipation and the passing of hard stools that tear the lining. It can also appear after prolonged diarrhoea, childbirth, or simply because of a tight sphincter (too much muscle tension). Once it appears, the spasm of the sphincter makes healing difficult and can turn it into a chronic problem.
Can an anal fissure heal without an operation?
Yes, in many cases. An acute (recent) fissure responds well to medical treatment: stool softeners, topical pain relief, ointments that relax the sphincter (nitrates or calcium channel blockers) and sitz baths. If it does not improve within 6 to 8 weeks with this treatment, it is considered chronic and may need a different approach, such as an injection of neuromodulators, which is done in the consulting room, or surgery.
What does anal fissure surgery involve?
The most common technique is lateral internal sphincterotomy: a small cut is made in the internal sphincter to reduce the tension and allow the fissure to heal. It is a short operation, usually done as day surgery, with very good results. Dr. Cutillas has extensive experience in this technique and assesses in each case whether it is the most suitable option.
How long does an anal fissure take to heal?
With medical treatment, acute fissures usually heal in 4 to 8 weeks. After surgery, full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks. During that time it is essential to keep stools soft and maintain good anal hygiene. Most patients notice that the pain improves very quickly after the operation.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Cutillas for an anal fissure?
Dr. José Cutillas Abellán is a specialist in digestive surgery and coloproctology in Murcia, with extensive experience in the treatment of anal fissure. He sees patients in English, Spanish and French. For a private consultation, message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47 (please write rather than call), or visit us at Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
More information in English
- Haemorrhoids: questions and answers
- Haemorrhoid treatment without surgery
- Anal fistula: questions and answers
- Digestive surgery in Murcia with Dr. Cutillas
Anal fissure treatment in Murcia for patients from Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa
Many of Dr. Cutillas’s English-speaking patients live in Murcia city, the golf resorts near the airport (Corvera, Altaona, Sucina), the Mar Menor (Los Alcázares, San Javier, La Manga), Cartagena, Camposol and Mazarrón, and the Costa Blanca: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Alicante.
Ananda Centro Médico Estético is in Murcia city, about 25 minutes by car from Región de Murcia International Airport (Corvera), around 45 minutes from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, and about an hour from Alicante. If you are coming over from the UK for a few days, it is easy to fit your appointment into your stay.
Would you like an assessment with Dr. Cutillas?
Write to us in English and we will arrange your appointment.
