Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is anal fissure treatment?
Anal fissure treatment aims to relieve pain and allow the fissure to heal. Non-surgical options such as topical creams (including Diltiazem), stool softeners and warm baths are usually tried first. When these are insufficient, surgical intervention may be recommended. The most common procedures are excision of the fissure and lateral sphincterotomy, in which a small incision is made in the muscle surrounding the sphincter to reduce tension and allow the fissure to heal.
All procedures are performed as day cases with the aim of achieving fissure healing with minimal risk of sphincter damage or incontinence. Our colorectal surgeons use the latest techniques to ensure the best outcomes with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. Based in St John’s Wood (NW8), we treat patients from across London.
Who is anal fissure treatment suitable for?
Anal fissure treatment may be recommended if you:
- Have had an anal fissure for more than a few weeks that is not healing on its own
- Are experiencing significant pain during or after bowel movements
- Have recurring anal fissures that keep returning after healing
- Have tried conservative treatments such as creams or dietary changes without sufficient relief
Your consultant will assess your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual case.
Consultants who perform Anal Fissure Surgery
How Much Does Anal Fissure Surgery Cost?
from £2,000*
The cost of private anal fissure treatment is from £2,000* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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Excision of an anal fissure |
from £2,000* |
|---|---|
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Lateral Sphincterotomy of Anus for an Anal Fissure |
from £2,200* |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anal Fissure Treatment
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes
The cost of private anal fissure treatment depends on what type of surgery you have.
The cost of a private excision of an anal fissure is from £2,000* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
The cost of a private lateral sphincterotomy is from £2,700* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
If you are worried about your symptoms or have been referred by your GP, you can get in touch to book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants. During your initial visit, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review any test results, take a detailed medical history, and discuss your treatment options.
You may be offered non-surgical options for anal fissure treatment such as laxatives, topical anaesthetic, creams and pain killers. If these treatments don’t work your surgeon may recommend surgical treatments.
Your consultant will provide a specific pre-procedure protocol tailored to your needs. It’s important to share all relevant health information, including existing conditions, allergies—especially to anaesthetics or medications—and current medications to ensure your safety during surgery.
Before anal fissure surgery you may be required to fast for 12 hours and to stop certain medications.
Recovery is designed to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Immediate aftercare includes prioritising rest and following your personalised wound care instructions. You may be given dressings to place in-between your bottom cheeks for the first 48 hours to catch any debris or discharge.
You will be given some pain relief to take home with you and advice on cleaning the sight. You may feel some discomfort for a few days after the surgery and we recommend having a few days to rest in order to support optimal healing and prevent complications.
Yes, a two-week post-operative appointment is scheduled to assess healing and address any concerns. Additional follow-ups may be arranged at six weeks, twelve weeks, and six months to monitor your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.
Medically reviewed by Mr Massimo Varcada - MBBS MD FRCS FEBS (Coloproctology) on 11/04/2024