My father was treated for a fissure but it seems the diagnosis might have been wrong. What should we do next?
The question, asked by a man aged 45 to 59
My father is quite old and has been having a lot of pain and discomfort when passing stools. He was told it was a fissure and was given treatment but instead of getting better things have gotten worse. We are now worried that the original diagnosis might not have been correct or that there could be something going on. We live around Whitefield so I would like to know what kind of specialist we should see and if an online consultation would be helpful, before taking him in person.
When the fissure does not heal or gets worse with treatment, the diagnosis needs to be looked at again, and very importantly, in such cases. Here’s what could be happening: A fissure lasting over 6 weeks becomes chronic, which leads to tight muscles that cannot heal. The clotted, thrombosed piles are painful and can be confused with a fissure. Constipation or hard stools will result in straining and will open up the wound. Diabetes, medication, and malnutrition may result in a slower rate of healing in some older patients. In older patients, anything that increases pain, causes bleeding, or changes bowel movement should be tested for growth, including cancer. It is not necessarily cancer, but this should be ruled out.
Suggested Tests
An in-person examination by a colorectal surgeon. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy Biopsy of any unusual tissue Endoanal ultrasound or MRI of the pelvis, to check for an abscess or fistula CBC and CRP, to look for infection or inflammation Stool occult blood test HbA1c, as raised blood sugar slows healing and increases infection risk
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, the first thing we would advise is a thorough physical examination of your father by a colorectal surgeon. Our help is around this to help him heal faster. We start with a proper consultation and understand his medical history, any medications, and symptoms that need specialist care. Our doctors can guide you to the right colorectal specialist. After a diagnosis, a plan is made to make bowel movements easier by including fiber and hydration in a way that doesn’t strain him. The diagnosis checks all markers like blood sugar, nutrition, and medications that can be a potential reason for constipation or bleeding. The nutritionist designs an easy-to-digest meal plan, rich in fiber and protein to aid in healing. The physiotherapist will design activities for you to follow. Seeing your parents go through this pain can be challenging, and hence we help you get the right answers and recovery.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
Consume easily digestible food products that are high in protein and fiber to facilitate easy bowel movements and tissue repair. Maintain hydration if your fiber intake is high. Do not hurry to defecate when you feel like going to the bathroom. And do not neglect your calls of nature as well. Try to maintain calmness and relaxation while doing it. For cases of tough stools, consume soft foods like bananas and curd rice. Try to remain active. Even a 10-minute walk after your meals, early morning walks, and yoga can help you achieve it.
What to Do Next
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