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.
current as of: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
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