or Send us an enquiry below:
At least 50 percent of fissures heal either 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.
For the more chronic fissure, glyceryl trinitrite ointment may be used to relax the sphincter muscles. This would then improve the blood flow to the lining and allow healing to occur. One of the more common side effects of the ointment is headache.
Dr Ho Kok Sun is a respected colorectal surgeon with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of anal fistulas.
Dr Ho finished his Bachelor and Master of Medicine in Surgery from National University of Singapore. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the same year. After completing his training in general surgery, he went to Cleveland Clinic Florida in 2002 for his fellowship and has been subspecializing in colorectal surgery since he completed his training.
Dr Ho is currently assistant master of the Academy of Medicine Singapore, the professional institute for specialists in Singapore. He previously served as President of College of Surgeons Singapore, President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons and President of the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore). He was also vice president of the Singapore-China Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology. He is a founding member of the Eurasian Colorectal Technologies Association. He has served as Organizing Chairman of 2 major international colorectal conferences.
We understand that you may be concerned with symptoms you are experiencing such as pain, bleeding, itching or difficulty in passing stool. It will therefore be useful if you may prepare a list of questions and share candidly with your surgeon during the appointment to make the most out of it.
Your visit with the colorectal surgeon should be a pleasant experience and will begin much as a typical visit to your family physician. Effective communication is critical to patient care and a good colorectal surgeon will take time to listen and to explain the right treatment plan specific for the patient needs.
An anal fissure is tearing in the lining of the anus. It can cause pain, bleeding and/or itching.
It is usually caused by a hard and dry bowel movement which tears the anal lining. Other causes include diarrhoea and inflammation of the anorectal area.
At least 50 percent of fissures heal either 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.
For the more chronic fissure, glyceryl trinitrite ointment may be used to relax the sphincter muscles. This would then improve the blood flow to the lining and allow healing to occur. One of the more common side effects of the ointment is headache
When healing starts after a tear, the area is not as healthy as normal lining. Another episode of hard stools will cause the healing area to tear again. Repeated tearing will results in the tear becoming deeper and deeper. When the muscles of the anus lying below the lining are exposed, the muscles go into spasm. This results in more pain, and as the muscle is tight, stronger force is required to push the stools through and this result in more tearing. In these cases, the relaxation induced by the glyceryl trinitrie ointment is inadequate to allow good blood flow for healing.
Most patients can go home the same day. Complete healing occurs in a few weeks, although pain often disappears after a few days.
Most patients who had anal surgery for anal fissure have no further trouble after surgery.
No! Persistent symptoms need careful evaluation, however, since conditions other than fissure can cause similar symptoms.
Our first consultation starts from $150. Should a procedure be required, financial counselling will be offered by our staff including your insurance coverage.
We want to see you on time so we strongly advise that you make an appointment with our staff. A time will be allocated with our colorectal surgeon to meet you. Please call or email us for an appointment.
or Send us an enquiry below:
3 Mount Elizabeth,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #04-08,
Singapore 228510
Tel: +65 6737 2778
Fax: (+65) 6737 2389
Email: hokoksuncolorectal@gmail.com
Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm
Closed: Sunday, Public Holiday
We are conveniently located at #04-08 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510. Location is in the heart of Singapore’s premier shopping district.
If you require further directions to our office please call us at +65 6737 2778.