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Diagnosis & Treatment

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Diagnosis & Treatment

Pain In The Anus – Is It Anal Fissure or Anal Fistula?

To determine whether it is a fissure or fistula, an assessment of medical history and a physical examination of the rectum (digital rectal exam) will be first carried out.

  • Should a tear be found, it is likely a fissure. A faecal occult blood test may be conducted to check for the presence of hidden blood in stools.
  • Should an opening, pus discharge and soreness be felt, it may be a fistula. Further tests like fistula probe, anoscope and imaging tests (e.g. ultrasound, MRI) will be done for in-depth examination.

A thorough assessment by a colorectal specialist not only identifies the exact cause of your rectal pain but also ensures targeted treatment for lasting relief.

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What Are The Treatment Options?

Anal Fissure

There are various ways of treating an anal fissure―ranging from conservative methods to surgical treatments―depending whether it is acute or chronic.

Medications
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Injections
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Anal Sphincterotomy
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Most acute cases of anal fissures can usually be managed conservatively—if treated timely. Should you notice sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements, seek prompt medical attention.

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Anal Fistula

When it comes to anal fistulas, surgery provides the best chance of cure as they rarely heal on their own.

Fistulotomy
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Seton placement
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Insertion of fistula plug
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Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract
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Specialised in minimally invasive techniques, Dr Ng Kheng Hong has over 20 years of experience providing safe and effective surgical removal of anal fistulas.

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