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Anal Fissure and Fistula
An anal fissure is a narrow tear that extends from the muscles that control the anus (sphincters) up into the anal canal. These tears usually develop when anal tissue is damaged during a hard bowel movement or when higher-than-normal tension develops in the anal sphincters.
An anal fistula is a tubelike passage (tract) from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus. This may occur after rectal surgery, after an abscess in the rectal area, or as a complication of a bowel disease.
Rectal prolapse: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse pain.
- You have new or worse bleeding from the rectum.
- You have new or worse leaking of stool (fecal incontinence).
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- The prolapse happens again.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You do not get better as expected.
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