[Anal fissure].

Anal fissures are present in about 10-15% of proctological patients. The cause of the illness is unknown, but is probably multifactorial. Cardinal symptoms are pain during and after defecation, as well as persistent sphincter spasm. In most cases an acute anal fissure heals spontaneously or with adequate conservative therapy. Chronic anal fissures can be cured in some cases by conservative treatment. Where there is treatment resistance, surgical cleansing is necessary.