Day theatre procedure
About this service
Anal fissure surgery is a day-theatre procedure to treat a persistent tear in the lining of the anal canal that has not healed with creams, fibre, or other lifestyle changes, and it is available in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. An anal fissure causes sharp pain and often bleeding during and after bowel movements, and while many heal with conservative care, a chronic fissure sometimes needs surgery to relax the muscle and allow the tear to heal.
The procedure is done in our on-site day theatre under general or regional anaesthesia. Your doctor will assess the fissure and confirm whether surgery is the right option for you.
What to expect
- An examination to confirm the fissure and rule out other causes
- General or regional anaesthesia is typically used
- A small cut in the inner sphincter muscle relaxes the spasm so the tear can finally heal
- Some discomfort and light bleeding is normal for a few days afterwards
- Your doctor will advise on diet, fibre, and wound care to support healing
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Sharp pain during or after passing a stool that will not settle
- Bleeding on the toilet paper or in the stool
- A visible tear or skin tag near the anus
- A fissure that has not healed despite creams or fibre supplements
- Ongoing anal discomfort affecting daily life
Frequently asked questions
When does an anal fissure need surgery?
Surgery is considered when a fissure has lasted more than six to eight weeks despite fibre, fluids, warm baths and prescribed creams. Your doctor will examine you first, because most fresh fissures heal without an operation.
Does anal fissure surgery affect bowel control?
The operation divides only a small part of the internal sphincter, so lasting problems are uncommon. Some people notice minor leakage of gas in the first weeks, which usually settles. Your doctor will discuss this with you before theatre.
How quickly does the pain stop after anal fissure surgery?
Many people find the sharp pain with bowel movements eases within days, once the muscle spasm is released. The fissure itself then heals over a few weeks with a soft diet and good hygiene.
For referring doctors
Eastgate Clinic's day theatre in Windhoek is set up for anal fissure surgery, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided on site. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your anal fissure surgery?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.