Anal Fissure Specialist Mumbai: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

An anal fissure is a small tear in the delicate lining of the anal canal that can cause sharp pain, burning and bleeding during bowel movements. It commonly develops due to constipation, hard stools or repeated straining. Although some fissures heal with conservative treatment, others may persist and require specialist medical attention. Consulting an Anal fissure specialist Mumbai can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis may reduce discomfort, support healing and help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Dr. Chintamani Godbole, a colorectal surgeon practising at Gadre Hospital in Dadar East, Mumbai, evaluates colorectal conditions and provides guidance on appropriate treatment options. Depending on the patient’s condition, management may include dietary changes, medications, topical ointments or surgery. Understanding the symptoms and available treatments can help patients make informed decisions about their colorectal health.

What Is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a narrow tear in the tissue lining the anal canal. It usually occurs when hard or large stools stretch the anal opening, damaging the sensitive tissue. The tear may cause pain during bowel movements, followed by burning or discomfort that continues for some time.

Anal fissures are generally classified into two types:

• Acute anal fissure: A recent tear that may heal within a few weeks with appropriate treatment.
• Chronic anal fissure: A tear that persists for several weeks, often with associated muscle spasm, a skin tag or changes around the wound.

Persistent fissures can become difficult to manage without medical intervention. A specialist can assess the condition, distinguish it from other anorectal problems and recommend an individualised treatment plan.

Common Symptoms of an Anal Fissure

Recognising the symptoms early can help you seek timely medical attention. Common signs include:

• Pain during bowel movements: Sharp, cutting or burning pain when passing stools.
• Pain after passing stools: Discomfort that may continue for minutes or several hours.
• Bright red bleeding: Small amounts of fresh blood on toilet paper or the surface of stools.
• Itching and irritation: Sensitivity or discomfort around the anal opening.
• A small tear or skin tag: A visible crack or lump near the affected area, particularly in chronic cases.

These symptoms can resemble those of haemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions. Rectal bleeding should not automatically be attributed to an anal fissure. Medical evaluation is important, especially when symptoms persist, recur or worsen.

What Causes Anal Fissures?

Several factors can contribute to the development of an anal fissure. Identifying these triggers is an important part of treatment and prevention.

Constipation: Hard, dry stools can stretch and injure the lining of the anal canal.

Excessive straining: Repeated pressure during bowel movements may cause a tear or prevent an existing fissure from healing.

Chronic diarrhoea: Frequent bowel movements can irritate the anal area and damage the sensitive tissue.

Anal sphincter muscle spasm: Increased tension in the internal anal sphincter can reduce blood flow to the affected area and interfere with healing.

Pregnancy and childbirth: Constipation and physical changes during pregnancy or after delivery may increase the risk of fissures.

Underlying medical conditions: In some cases, inflammatory bowel disease, infections or other disorders may cause fissure-like symptoms and require further investigation.

Addressing the underlying cause helps reduce repeated injury and supports long-term recovery.

Anal fissure specialist Mumbai: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Choosing an Anal fissure specialist Mumbai can help ensure that the condition is evaluated correctly and treated according to its severity. Treatment typically begins with conservative measures, while persistent or chronic fissures may require prescription medications or surgery.

1. Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves discussing symptoms, bowel habits, medical history and previous treatments. A doctor may inspect the anal area to identify a visible tear. Further investigations, such as colonoscopy, may be advised if symptoms suggest another condition or additional evaluation is necessary.

2. Dietary Changes and Conservative Treatment

Many acute fissures improve with measures that reduce constipation and prevent repeated injury. Treatment may include:

• Eating fibre-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
• Drinking adequate water throughout the day.
• Avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements.
• Taking warm sitz baths to ease discomfort.
• Using prescribed stool softeners or laxatives when needed.

These measures help maintain softer stools and support the healing process.

3. Medications and Topical Ointments

A doctor may prescribe topical anaesthetic preparations to relieve pain or ointments that relax the anal sphincter and improve blood flow to the affected area. The choice of medication depends on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and the condition of the fissure.

Follow the prescribed instructions and attend follow-up appointments to assess healing. Some medications can cause side effects, so professional guidance is important.

4. Surgical Treatment for Chronic Fissures

When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief, a surgical procedure may be considered. One option is lateral internal sphincterotomy, which involves dividing a small portion of the internal anal sphincter to reduce muscle tension and help the fissure heal.

Surgery is not necessary for every patient. Potential complications, including changes in bowel control, must be discussed before treatment. A specialist will assess the benefits and risks based on the patient’s individual circumstances.

Why Choose Dr. Chintamani Godbole at Gadre Hospital?

Dr. Chintamani Godbole is a consultant gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeon with specialised training in colorectal surgery and peritoneal surface oncology. His qualifications include MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, and FRCS from Edinburgh, UK.

He undertook approximately five years of further colorectal surgery training in the UK, including fellowships in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, robotic surgery, colorectal cancer surgery and peritoneal cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. His clinical experience also includes work as a consultant in general and colorectal surgery at University Hospitals Coventry in the UK.

His expertise covers anal fissures, complex fistula-in-ano, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. For patients seeking a Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai, his specialist background provides a relevant option for assessment and treatment planning.

Consultations at Gadre Hospital, near Hindmata Cinema in Dadar East, provide patients with an opportunity to discuss symptoms, understand available treatment options and receive guidance on follow-up care. Patients should confirm appointment availability and any procedure-specific arrangements directly with the clinic.

For individuals exploring Colorectal Surgery in Mumbai, selecting a surgeon with appropriate colorectal training can help ensure that treatment decisions are based on a thorough clinical assessment.

Recovery and Prevention of Anal Fissures

Recovery depends on the severity of the fissure and the treatment used. Preventing constipation and following medical advice can help reduce discomfort and the risk of recurrence.

Important measures include:

• Maintain a balanced, fibre-rich diet.
• Drink sufficient fluids unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
• Avoid straining or delaying bowel movements.
• Follow medication and wound-care instructions after treatment.
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Seek further assessment if pain, bleeding or irritation continues despite treatment. Persistent symptoms may require a review of the diagnosis or a change in the treatment plan.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Chintamani Godbole

If you experience pain during bowel movements, recurring bleeding or persistent anal discomfort, arrange a medical evaluation. Consulting an Anal fissure specialist Mumbai, Dr. Chintamani Godbole  can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and explore suitable treatment options.

+91 8108791470 | +91 8451865944 (In case of emergency)
drchintamanigodbole@gmail.com
Get Directions to the Clinic – Gadre Hospital, Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I consult an anal fissure specialist?

Consult a specialist if you experience pain during or after bowel movements, fresh rectal bleeding or recurring anal discomfort. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

2. Can an anal fissure heal without surgery?

Yes. Many acute fissures heal with dietary changes, hydration, stool softeners when prescribed and suitable topical medications. Surgery may be considered when a chronic fissure does not respond to appropriate non-surgical treatment.

3. How is a chronic anal fissure treated?

Treatment may involve prescription ointments, bowel-management measures and, in selected cases, surgery such as lateral internal sphincterotomy. The recommended approach depends on symptom duration, examination findings and individual health factors.

4. Where can I consult Dr. Chintamani Godbole in Mumbai?

Dr. Chintamani Godbole consults at Gadre Hospital, near Hindmata Cinema in Dadar East, Mumbai. Contact 81087 91470 for appointments or 84518 65944 for emergencies.