Performed by Dr. Ravi Chandra Reddy Obili at Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy
Fissure surgery is a surgical procedure to treat an anal fissure—a small tear in the lining of the anus—that has not healed with medication and lifestyle changes. The surgery helps relieve pain and promote healing by releasing tension in the anal sphincter muscle. Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy performs the procedure as a day-care treatment, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
We believe in honest, upfront disclosure so you can make an informed decision.
A step-by-step look at what happens during this procedure.
You receive spinal or general anaesthesia so you feel no pain during the surgery.
The surgeon examines the anal canal to locate the fissure and assess the surrounding tissue.
A small cut is made in the internal anal sphincter muscle to reduce tension and improve blood flow to the fissure, helping it heal.
In some cases, the edges of the fissure may be trimmed to create a fresh wound that can heal more easily.
The wound is left open or loosely closed to heal naturally. A dressing may be applied to protect the area.
A structured, patient-first approach from first consultation to full recovery.
Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy evaluates the fissure through examination and reviews your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to confirm that surgery is appropriate.
The procedure is performed with precision to release only the necessary portion of the sphincter muscle, balancing healing with preservation of bowel control.
You receive clear instructions on wound care, pain management, and stool softening to support healing and reduce discomfort.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, address any concerns, and ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
What to expect at each stage of your recovery journey.
You may experience pain and discomfort, especially with bowel movements. Pain relief medication, warm sitz baths, and stool softeners help manage symptoms. Rest is important during this time.
Pain gradually decreases. Continue wound care as instructed, maintain a high-fibre diet, and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Most people return to desk work within a week.
The wound continues to heal, and most symptoms resolve. You can resume normal activities as comfort allows. Follow-up visits ensure healing is complete and address any ongoing concerns. Individual recovery times vary.
The procedure aims to reduce or eliminate the severe pain associated with chronic anal fissures, particularly during and after bowel movements. Healing time varies, and some discomfort during recovery is normal.
By releasing tension in the sphincter muscle, surgery creates conditions that allow the fissure to heal. However, healing is not immediate and requires careful post-operative care.
While surgery helps most fissures heal, there is a small chance the fissure may return, especially if constipation or straining continues. Lifestyle and dietary habits remain important after surgery.
A small number of patients may experience temporary or, rarely, permanent difficulty controlling gas or stool. This risk is carefully weighed against the benefits during the decision to proceed with surgery.
The right choice depends on your diagnosis, risks and circumstances — discussed with you at your consultation.
Topical ointments (such as nitrates or calcium channel blockers), stool softeners, increased fibre intake, and sitz baths. This is usually the first approach and may be sufficient for acute fissures or those that have not become chronic.
An injection into the anal sphincter muscle to temporarily relax it and promote healing. This may be considered when medical treatment has failed and before proceeding to surgery. The effect is temporary and may need to be repeated.
A more complex surgical procedure that removes the fissure and covers the area with healthy tissue. This may be considered for fissures in unusual locations or when sphincterotomy is not suitable due to concerns about bowel control.
Let's clear up some of the most common myths about fissure surgery.
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