Anal problems can cause serious discomfort and embarrassment. But many people don’t know whether they are suffering from an anal fissure or an anal fistula. Though they sound similar, both are different conditions and need different treatments. At Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi’s clinic in Bangalore, you will receive expert care and advanced treatments for both fissure and fistula. With over 18 years of experience, 10,000+ surgeries completed, and 8000+ happy patients, Dr. Bhushan is one of the best GI surgeons in Bangalore with a 95% success rate. Let’s understand what these conditions are and how you can treat them the right way.
Meet the Expert – Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi:
Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi is a renowned laparoscopic, gastro, and GI cancer surgeon in Bangalore. He is currently practising at HOSMAT Hospital, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru. He is well-known for performing laser fissure treatment and fistula surgery in Bangalore with high success and faster recovery.
What is a Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus. It usually causes sharp pain during or after passing stool. You may also notice slight bleeding. It is a common condition in people with constipation or hard stools. Sometimes, diarrhoea or straining during bowel movements can also cause it.
What is a Fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It usually develops due to an infection in an anal gland, which forms an abscess. If this abscess doesn’t heal properly, it turns into a fistula. Fistulas can cause pus discharge, pain, and irritation. They often require medical or surgical treatment.
What's the Difference Between a Fissure and a Fistula?
- A fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus, usually caused by constipation or passing hard stools. It leads to sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
- A fistula is a tunnel-like connection between the anus and skin around it, usually caused by an infection or abscess. It causes pus discharge, swelling, and continuous pain.
- Fissures can heal with medicines, diet, and home care.
- Fistulas need surgery to heal properly.
If you’re facing pain or discharge near the anus, consult Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, a leading fissure and fistula specialist in Bangalore, for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment.
What Causes an Anal Fissure?
Common causes of anal fissures include:
- Passing hard or dry stools
- Chronic constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Childbirth (in women)
- Tight anal muscles
- Poor blood flow to the anal area
How Can I Tell if It's a Fistula and Not Something Else?
It can be tricky to identify a fistula without medical help. But some common signs include:
- Repeated pus or fluid discharge near the anus
- Skin irritation or itching
- Swelling or a painful lump
- Fever (if infection is present)
- History of an untreated anal abscess
If you are facing these symptoms, consult a fistula doctor in Bangalore like Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi for accurate diagnosis.
Can Home Remedies Help?
Mild fissures can sometimes heal with home care like:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Taking fibre-rich foods
- Using stool softeners
- Taking warm sitz baths
- Applying soothing ointments
However, fistulas do not heal with home remedies. They need proper medical attention. Avoid delaying treatment as it may lead to complications.
How Doctors Check the Problem:
Dr. Bhushan will perform a detailed physical examination and may advise:
- Digital Rectal Exam
- Proctoscopy
- MRI Fistulogram (for fistulas)
- Colonoscopy (if needed)
Based on the diagnosis, he will guide you with the best fissure treatment in Bangalore or fistula surgery in Bangalore.
Best Treatments for Fissure and Fistula:
Fissure Treatments:
- Medications: Pain-relief creams, stool softeners
- Diet Changes: High-fibre diet and hydration
- Sitz Baths: Warm water baths to relax the anal muscles
- Botox Injection: To relax the sphincter muscle
- Laser Fissure Treatment: A quick and painless solution
Laser treatment is a modern and effective option. It involves less pain, fewer complications, and fast healing.
Fistula Treatments:
- Antibiotics: To control infection (temporary)
- Fistulotomy: Surgical removal of the fistula tract
- Laser Surgery for Fistula: Minimally invasive, quick recovery
- LIFT Procedure: For complex fistulas
- VAAFT: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment
Laser surgery is now preferred as it is less painful, bloodless, and has a short hospital stay.
Is Surgery Painful? How Long is the Recovery?
With modern laser surgery, most fissure and fistula procedures are painless or very low pain. Dr. Bhushan uses advanced tools to ensure minimal tissue damage and faster healing.
Recovery Time:
- Fissure Laser Surgery – 1 to 3 days
- Fistula Surgery – 3 to 7 days
- Full recovery in 1-2 weeks (depending on case)
Patients can usually go home the same day or next day after surgery. If you are looking for fissure treatment in Bangalore or a fistula specialist in Bangalore, Dr. Bhushan is the right choice. Whether it’s fissure, fistula, or piles, Dr. Bhushan gives you the right diagnosis and the best treatment using modern techniques. Fissures and fistulas are not only painful but also affect your quality of life. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis and expert treatment can give you fast relief. If you are suffering from anal fissure or anal fistula, consult Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, the trusted fissure specialist in Bangalore. Call 8940770990 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A fissure is a small cut in the skin of the anus, usually caused by hard stools or constipation. A fistula is an infected tunnel between the anal canal and the skin around the anus, often formed after an abscess.
Yes, laser fissure treatment and laser fistula surgery are modern, safe, and effective options. They involve less pain, faster healing, and minimum hospital stay.
Mild fissures can heal with medicines, diet changes, and sitz baths. But fistulas usually require surgery, as they do not heal on their own.
Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi is one of the best GI surgeons in Bangalore, with over 18 years of experience and expertise in laser surgery for fissure and fistula.