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Hemorrhoids and anal fissures both cause rectal pain and bleeding, but hemorrhoids are swollen veins while fissures are tears near the anus. Treatment options are similar, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Hemorrhoid surgery involves tying off swollen veins and cutting through them, while anal fissure surgery involves stretching the opening to the anus.
Hemorrhoids and fissures are common problems, although many people have great difficulty talking about these conditions, even to medical professionals. While there are several similarities in these two conditions, there are notable differences as well. The main difference between hemorrhoids and fissures is that a hemorrhoid is basically a swollen vein in the anal region of the body whereas an anal fissure is a tear that occurs at the opening of the anus.
Both conditions can cause rectal pain and bleeding. The treatment options are also basically the same for both. Some of these treatments include over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories. Prescription drugs can also be used to ease some of the discomfort caused by these conditions. This is where the similarities between these conditions stop.
Hemorrhoids are caused when there is too much pressure on the veins found in the pelvic and anal areas of the body. Anal fissures, on the other hand, occur when the skin tears near the anal canal. Straining too much when having a bowel movement is the most common cause of each of these conditions. However, it’s important to realize that these are very different medical conditions.
While anal fissures are caused when the tissue on or around the anus tears, hemorrhoids can occur when internal or external veins swell from excessive pressure. This swelling can cause intense itching along with the pain or bleeding that often occurs. Itching, however, is not a common symptom of anal fissures.
Since it is difficult for the patient to see this area of the body, it is best to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. While home treatment is usually sufficient for hemorrhoids and fissures, there are situations where surgery is the recommended course of treatment. The type of surgery will depend on the diagnosed condition and the severity of each individual case.
In the case of hemorrhoids that need to be surgically removed, the swollen veins are first tied off to prevent excessive bleeding. The surgeon then cuts through the hemorrhoids and applies gauze to the wound. This is generally an outpatient procedure and recovery rates are very high.
If the patient requires surgery to repair an anal fissure, the opening to the anus is usually surgically stretched in an attempt to repair the damaged tissue. There is a significant risk of anal leakage or bowel incontinence after this type of surgery. Therefore, more conventional methods of treatment, including prescription drugs and dietary changes, are usually attempted before surgery is suggested.
