The anal canal is a short tube surrounded by muscle at the end of your rectum. The rectum is the bottom section of your colon large intestine. An anal fissure also called fissure-in-ano is a small rip or tear in the lining of the anal canal. Fissures are common, but are often confused with other anal conditions, such as hemorrhoids. Fissures are usually caused by trauma to the inner lining of the anus from a bowel movement or other stretching of the anal canal.
Learn about our expanded patient care options for your health care needs. Fissures result from the stretching of your anal mucosa beyond its normal capacity. This often happens when stools are hard due to constipation. Once the tear happens, it leads to repeated injury.
Jump to content. An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the lower rectum anal canal that causes pain during bowel movements. Anal fissures don't lead to more serious problems. Most anal fissures heal with home treatment after a few days or weeks.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue mucosa that lines the anus. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of your anus anal sphincter. Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age.