Ways to distinguish between piles and fissure
Ways to distinguish between piles and fissure
For most of us, any problem in the anal region is considered either piles or fissure. However, senior proctologist Dr Deepak Kulkarni and Dr Anuradha Jagtap say that a goofed-up diagnosis can not only add to the misery, but also make a simple problem complex.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PILES AND FISSURES?
Piles or haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels near the anal opening, whereas fissure is a tear in the delicate skin of the anal opening. Depending on the severity of the disease, piles are graded from one to four with grade one having Just swollen vessels and grade four indicating a mass coming out of the opening.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN SYMPTOMS?
The predominant symptom of fissure is Intense pain while defecating. The magnitude of the pain is such that one fears going to the toilet. Piles, on the other hand, are usually characterised by pain- less bleeding after passing stool. Sometimes, one may feel a mass at the anal opening.
CAN SOMEONE BE DIAGNOSED WITH BOTH PILES AND FISSURE AT THE SAME TIME?
Long standing cases of haemorrhoids are often associated with fissure. Commonly, the cause behind having piles is chronic constipation. In such cases, it is quite likely that one would have piles along with fissure. Fissure, in fact, is one of the most common complications of constipation, since the forced expulsion of hardened stool causes a tear in the delicate anal skin.
WHAT TESTS ARE NEEDED FOR A DIAGNOSIS?
A history of symptoms and visual examination is enough to diagnose fissure. In addition to the above, a simple painless technique, called proctoscopy, is done in case of haemorrhoids, for a more accurate diagnosis and grading.
CAN THESE BE TREATED PERMANENTLY?
Modern medicine assures a reliable, quick and effective cure of anorectal problems. Medicines, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are enough to treat early piles and acute fissure. In case of chronic cases of fissure, laser sphincterotomy provides excellent results. Similarly, for higher grades of piles, laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) or stapler surgery (MIPH) provide a safe, less painful and efficient modality of treatment.
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