Most anal fissures heal by themselves without need for an operation. Application of special medicated cream, use of stool softeners, avoidance of constipation, and the use of Sitz baths (soaking the anal area in plain warm water for 20 minutes, several times a day) help to relieve the symptoms and allow healing to occur.
When conservative management fails, surgery to cut a portion of the anal muscle helps the fissure to heal by preventing pain and spasm.
