Secondary anal fissures: a pain in the a

An anal fissure is a painful tear of the sensitive anoderm, distally from the dentate line. It is a prevalent disorder and impairs quality of life dramatically. Typical or primary fissures are associated with constipation and mostly located at the posterior midline. About 1% of fissures are atypical in appearance and are generally secondary in nature. These secondary fissures should arouse attention and require further exploration for underlying conditions, such as Crohn's disease, malignancy, trauma or venereal infections. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review on the clinical aspects, evaluation and treatment of secondary anal fissures. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2023, 86, 58-67).

Automated summary

An anal fissure is a painful tear in the sensitive skin of the anus, typically located below the dentate line. It is a common condition that significantly affects quality of life. Primary fissures are usually associated with constipation and found at the posterior midline, while secondary fissures, which account for about 1% of cases, can have atypical appearances and may be caused by underlying conditions such as Crohn's disease, malignancy, trauma or venereal infections. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical aspects, evaluation, and treatment of secondary anal fissures. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2023, 86, 58-67).