Is surgery necessary for anal fissures and fistulas?

Anal fissures and fistulas do not necessarily require surgery. Anal fissures are mainly fissures of the perianal skin caused by dry stools, while fistulas are mostly caused by infection of the anal glands. If the symptoms of anal fissure and anal fistula are mild, we can start with conservative and medication treatment. First, pay attention to diet, avoid spicy and stimulating food, eat more coarse fiber food, in order to keep the bowel movement smooth. The second is that you should take a warm salt water bath, or 1:5000 potassium permanganate bath, to promote perianal blood circulation and keep the perianal area clean. Third, you can apply taining suppositories, taining cream treatment. Taining cream is compound keratanate cream, which mainly plays the role of anti-inflammation, hemostasis and pain relief. We can apply taining cream to the fissure of anal fissure, or to the outer and inner mouth of anal fistula. The general symptoms of anal fissures and fistulas may be greatly relieved by medication. Anal fissures require surgery if symptoms are more severe. Patients with anal fistulas have the potential to heal themselves if they are under 5 years old. If they are adults or elderly, surgical treatment should be considered.