How is an anal fissure generally treated?

Successfully: A new or 'acute' fissure will often respond to simple measures such as softening of the stools (increased water & fiber intake, a mild laxative) and a topical anesthetic. However, a more chronic fissure may be treated with a topical medication to relax the sphincter spasm and allow healing. This works less than 2/3 of the time. When it fails, a small outpatient operation is usually successful.

Ointments: 50% of fissure will heal on their own without any help from us. Ointments we give are used to relax the muscles, that are squeezing too much to allow the fissure to heal. If these all fail, then we consider a small surgery to relax the muscles.