WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Anal fissure and fistula

Illustration copyright 2004 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

An anal fissure is a narrow tear that extends from the muscles that control the anus (sphincters) up into the anal canal. These tears usually develop when anal tissue is damaged during a hard bowel movement or when higher-than-normal tension develops in the anal sphincters.

An anal fistula is a tubelike passage (tract) from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus. This may occur after rectal surgery, after an abscess in the rectal area, or as a complication of a bowel disease.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS
- General Surgery
Last Updated June 16, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 16, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.