The most common cause of pain and bleeding during defecation is anal fissure, also called anal tear or anal fissure. This is the name given to a longitudinal tear in the transition zone of the tender skin of the anal canal (anoderm) to the outer skin. Anal fissure is one of the most common reasons why patients consult a proctologist.
Anal fissure is almost always a benign, curable condition. The exact incidence is not known, because according to a representative survey, 87.5% of people with anorectal symptoms never see a doctor. Women seem to be affected slightly more often.
A distinction is made between the acute and chronic forms. Depending on the stage and extent of the symptoms, conservative or surgical treatments are used. We adhere to the current guideline anal fissure of the professional societies.