Approach Considerations

Diagnosis of an anal fissure is primarily based on the history and physical examination. No specific testing is needed for diagnosing anal fissures unless atypical or multiple fissures are present, suggesting either an infectious or other etiology.

Evaluation of an anal fistula depends on the clinical status of the patient. If a concurrent abscess is present, and the location and size is not well characterized, advanced imaging may be needed. Blood work should be reserved for patients with clinical signs of sepsis or those who appear toxic. Wound culture may also be indicated if there is concern for possible infectious etiologies such as syphilis or HIV infection. If clinically warranted, a workup for other etiologies such as Crohn disease may be indicated.

If the extent of the fistula is not well characterized by physical examination, advanced diagnostics may be indicated to evaluate the anatomy of a complex fistula.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Anal Fistulas and Fissures. This patient reported constipation.
Anal Fistulas and Fissures. Anal fissure present in a patient with Crohn disease.

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Author

Bruce M Lo, MD, MBA, CPE, RDMS, FACEP, FAAEM, FACHE Chief, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital; Medical Ditector, Sentara Transfer Center; Professor and Assistant Program Director, Core Academic Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School; Board Member, American Academy of Emergency Medicine

Bruce M Lo, MD, MBA, CPE, RDMS, FACEP, FAAEM, FACHE is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Association for Physician Leadership, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Healthcare Executives, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association, Medical Society of Virginia, Norfolk Academy of Medicine, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Ingrid Legall, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Florida Hospital-Flagler

Ingrid Legall, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP Program Director, Emergency Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Thoracic Society, New York Academy of Medicine, New York Academy of Sciences, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Michael S Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEP Professor of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy; Attending Faculty, Akron General Medical Center

Michael S Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors, National Association of EMS Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eugene Hardin, FAAEM, FACEP Former Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; Former Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Luther King Jr/Drew Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

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