Is Fissure Surgery Worth It?

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re dealing with that unbearable pain down there yep, we’re talking about anal fissures. Let’s be real: they suck. It hurts to sit, to poop, and sometimes even to walk.

So when someone mentions fissure surgery, your first thought might be, “Is it really worth it?” Let’s dive into that question and unravel everything you need to know, with zero medical jargon and 100% straight talk.

What Exactly Is a Fissure?

Okay, let’s get one thing clear: a fissure is not some fancy medical term you should be scared of. It’s basically a small cut or tear in the skin lining your anal canal. Ouch, right? And every time you go to the bathroom, that cut stretches or gets irritated again, making it super painful. It might even bleed a little. It’s like a paper cut in the worst possible place.

There are two types:

Acute and chronic.

Acute fissures come out of nowhere and might go away with creams, water, and some dietary changes.

Chronic ones are the stubborn kind. They hang around, don’t respond to medication, and that’s where surgery starts entering the chat.

Why Do Fissures Even Happen?

Well, they don’t just show up to ruin your day. A few reasons could be:

1. Passing hard stools (constipation is the main villain here)

2. Straining too much while pooping

3. Diarrhea (yep, the opposite of constipation can cause it too)

4. Childbirth

5. Sitting too long on the toilet (looking at you, scroll-happy phone users)

If your toilet routine feels like a warzone, your body is basically crying out for help. Ignoring it might mean a simple fissure turns into a chronic condition.

Let’s Talk About the Pain

This isn’t your regular tummy ache. The pain from a fissure can last for hours after a bowel movement. Many describe it as razor-sharp, burning, or even like being cut with glass. It’s not just physical either; it messes with your peace of mind. Some people get anxious just thinking about going to the bathroom. And honestly, that kind of stress? You don’t need it.

Tried Everything But Still Suffering?

Most people start with home remedies, and they’re not wrong. You can try:

1. Sitz baths (soaking your bum in warm water)

2. High-fiber diet

3. Drinking loads of water

4. Over-the-counter ointments

5. Stool softeners

But when nothing works, and you’re stuck in a vicious cycle of pain-bleed-pain, it might be time to think bigger.

Enters Fissure Surgery

So what exactly happens during fissure surgery? The most common procedure is called a Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS). Sounds intense, but stay with me.

During this surgery, the doctor makes a tiny cut in the internal anal sphincter muscle. This helps reduce the pressure in the area, allowing the fissure to heal. That’s it. No organs removed. No scary stuff. It’s quick, usually done under local or general anesthesia, and you’re back home the same day.

Recovery: What to Expect

Let’s keep it real: no surgery is fun. But LIS is one of the simpler ones out there. Here’s what most people experience:

Mild discomfort for a few days

Some bleeding during bowel movements initially

Relief from the sharp fissure pain almost immediately

Back to normal life in about 1–2 weeks

Just keep following your doctor’s advice, take your meds, eat fiber, and you’ll be golden.

Is It Actually Worth It?

Honestly? Yes, for many people. The success rate of LIS is around 95%, and most folks never deal with fissures again. That means no more bathroom dread, no more cream shopping, and definitely no more googling “why does my butt hurt.”

But like all surgeries, there are risks. These include minor issues like infection, or rare ones like temporary difficulty controlling gas. Yep, fart control is a thing. But these side effects are pretty rare, especially with experienced surgeons.

Life After Surgery

You’ll still need to be kind to your bum. That means:

Staying hydrated

Eating fiber-rich foods

Not holding in your poop (your body hates that)

Avoiding super long toilet sessions

Basically, don’t go back to the habits that caused the fissure in the first place.

So, Who Should Go for It?

You should seriously consider surgery if:

Your fissure hasn’t healed in 6–8 weeks

You’re in constant pain

Creams, baths, and diet changes haven’t helped

The fissure keeps coming back

Still unsure? Talk to a colorectal surgeon. They’re the real MVPs here.

FAQs About Fissure Surgery

Q1: Is fissure surgery painful?
A: The procedure itself isn’t painful because of anesthesia. Post-surgery discomfort is mild and manageable with meds.

Q2: How long does healing take?
A: Most people feel significantly better in a few days and fully healed within 2–3 weeks.

Q3: Can the fissure come back after surgery?
A: It’s rare but possible if you fall back into old habits like chronic constipation.

Q4: Will I be able to control my bowel movements?
A: Yes! Most people don’t face any control issues. In rare cases, there might be temporary gas leakage.

Q5: Is LIS the only surgery option?
A: It’s the most common and effective one. Other procedures exist but are usually less preferred.