- Non-surgical
- ~15 minutes
- Local anesthesia
- Outpatient
Anal Fissure Botox — what is it?
Anal fissure is a common condition caused by a thin tear in the anal canal, leading to severe pain, burning and occasional bleeding especially during and after defecation. The main reason a fissure fails to heal is the constant contraction (spasm) of the muscle in the area (internal anal sphincter).
In botox treatment, botulinum toxin is injected into this muscle, temporarily resolving the spasm. As the muscle relaxes, blood flow to the area increases, pain drops quickly and the fissure gets the chance to heal on its own. The procedure takes about 15 minutes under local anesthesia, requires no surgery and allows a same-day return to daily life.
How is it done?
- 1
Assessment
The doctor takes the patient's history and examines the area to determine fissure severity and muscle spasm.
- 2
Botox application
Under local anesthesia, botox is injected into the muscle around the anus; the procedure takes about 15 minutes.
- 3
Healing
Pain usually subsides within a few days; the fissure heals on average within 4–8 weeks.
Benefits
- No surgery or incision
- Painless procedure under local anesthesia
- Rapid relief of pain on defecation
- Same-day return to daily life
- Very low risk of permanent gas/stool incontinence
- Low recurrence rate
Who is it for?
- Chronic fissure unresponsive to ointment, fibre and sitz baths
- Patients who decline surgery or have surgical risk
- Fissures with severe muscle spasm
Aftercare
- Soft stools through a high-fibre diet and plenty of water
- Regular toilet habits, avoiding constipation
- Warm sitz baths when recommended
- Adherence to follow-up visits
Frequently asked questions
What should I watch for after treatment?
A high-fibre diet, plenty of water and regular toilet habits speed up healing; constipation should be avoided.
Does it have a lasting effect?
Although the botox effect is temporary, the fissure heals during this period and recurrence is usually prevented.
Is the procedure painful?
No pain is felt during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia.
Will I stay in hospital?
No, it is outpatient; you return home the same day.
Will there be gas or stool incontinence?
This risk is much lower with botox than with surgery and, since the effect is temporary, it is not permanent.
What if it recurs?
If needed the application can be repeated, or your doctor evaluates other options.
