Anal Fissure and Haemorroids

Terms You Should know

• Anal Sphincter : Muscles around the anal canal that contract, closing the anus to prevent the expelling of stool. 

• Anorectal : Pertaining to the anus and rectum 

• Anus : The opening at the end of the large intestine ( rectum) that expels stool. See also large intestine. 

• Bowel : The small or large intestine. 

• Colon : A portion of the large intestine not including the rectum. 

• Colorectal : Pertaining to the colon and rectum. 

• Consitpation : The infrequent or difficult passage of hard, dry stools. 

• Diarrhoea : Loose or watery and often frequent bowel movements. 

• Fibre : A food substance that resists chemical digestion and passes through the system relatively unchanged.

• Haemorrhoid : A swollen vein in or around the anus. 

• Impaction : Pressed firmly together so as to be immovable, often causing an obstruction. 

• Intestines : The portion of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. The term intestines includes the small and large intestines. 

• Large intestine: A muscular tube that extends from the end of the small intestine ( ileum) to the anus. 

• Laxative : A medicine that helps relieve constipation. 

• Parianal : The area located around the anus. 

• Rectum : The lowest portion of the large intestine. 

• Sigmoid colon : The lower part of the large intestine that connects to the rectum. 

• Sphincter : A circular band of muscle that acts as a valve. 

• Stool : Waste products such as food residue expelled from the body through the rectum and anus. Also referred to as faeces. 

Anal Fissure 

An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus which can cause pain and/or bleeding.

Symptoms,  Causes and Diagnosis
Haemorrhoids
Symptoms of Internal and External Haemorrhoids
Treatment