CHRONIC ANAL FISSURE (CAF)

Introduction

Anorectal disorders occur at the junction of the anal canal and the rectum and can generate patient discomfort and disability.¹

Although anorectal disorders are usually benign and may be successfully treated by primary care practitioners, a high index of suspicion for colorectal cancer should be maintained.²

Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal, immediately within the anal margin.³ Anal fissure are common, with around 1 in every 10 people affected at some point in their life.^3,4They mostly affect people aged 15-40 years but can occur at any age.⁴ Clinical features of anal fissure include anal pain with defaecation.² They affect both sexes equally.⁴

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References

1. Gupta PJ. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2006;107(8):323-331. Available at: http://bmj.fmed.uniba.sk/2006/10708-12.pdf Last accessed: June 2023.

2. Pfenninger JL, Zainea GG. Common Anorectal Conditions: Part I. Symptoms and Complaints. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(12):2391-2398.

3. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Anal Fissure. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anal-fissure Last accessed: June 2023.

4. NHS Anal fissure. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fissure/ Last accessed: June 2023.

KKI/GB/REC/0003 November 2023

Europe

CHRONIC ANAL FISSURE (CAF)

Introduction