Did you know botulinum injections are an effective way to treat anal fissures?
Anal fissures can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, challenging even the simplest activities.
While several treatment options are available to manage anal fissures, one surprising method gaining popularity is botulinum injections.
Although commonly associated with cosmetic procedures, botulinum injections have emerged as a helpful way to alleviate discomfort and promote healing in anal fissures.
This article will explore what anal fissures are, how these injections work and their potential benefits in treating anal fissures.
What is an anal fissure?
Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the lining of the anal canal, often caused by constipation, trauma, or childbirth. They can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements.
Treating anal fissures: traditional methods
The traditional, recommended treatments, such as fibre-rich diets and ointments, may not always provide adequate relief. For some people they work enough to manage the situation, for others, they require additional treatments such as botulinum.
Anal fissure treatment: botulinum
Botulinum, commonly known for its cosmetic applications, is also used in various medical procedures. In the case of anal fissures, botulinum injections are administered directly into the sphincter muscle near the fissure.
Botulinum works by temporarily paralysing the muscle, reducing its spasm and tension. This relaxation effect eases the pressure on the anal fissure, allowing it to heal.
How to treat an anal fissure: the benefits of botulinum
The use of botulinum for anal fissures offers several benefits.
Firstly, it provides rapid pain relief by reducing muscle spasms.
Secondly, botulinum helps promote healing by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation around the fissure.
Unlike surgical interventions, botulinum injections are minimally invasive and can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Additionally, botulinum treatments are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Anal fissure treatments: botulinum injections procedure
The procedure for botulinum injections is relatively quick, usually taking only a few minutes.
A local anaesthetic may be used to minimise discomfort and the amount of botulinum administered is generally around 30-50 units. The botulinum is injected into the internal anal sphincter on each side.
Please note: If there is excessive administration of botulinum in this area, it can cause faecal urgency or incontinence.
Botulinum injections: anal fissure recovery
Patients can typically resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure. The effects become evident after 5-7 days, lasting around 2-3 months.
Anal fissure pain relief
Full healing may take a few weeks, during which the fissure should gradually close, reducing pain and discomfort.
For ongoing relief, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Treating anal fissures: botulinum
Botulinum injections have emerged as a viable and effective treatment option for anal fissures, offering quick pain relief and promoting healing.
If you’re suffering from anal fissures and want to discuss treatment, book a free consultation with Dr Watson at Define Laser today to discuss treatment and determine if botulinum injections suit your specific situation.
Treatment can be done on the day if you wish.
