Anal fissure

Abstract

The aetiology and pathological and clinical features of anal fissure have been briefly reviewed. The acute but otherwise uncomplicated fissure may respond to treatment administered in consulting-rooms, but chronic fissures, particularly those complicated by infection, superficial or deep, usually require more radical treatment. The fissure should be excised, the subcutaneous sphincter divided, and a primary split-thickness skin graft applied. The fissure is removed and the wound completely healed during a stay of six to seven days in hospital. © 1953, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.