Dr. Mohammed Hatem AlsubaihFor education and visit preparation; individual assessment requires a clinical history and examination.
What is the intended effect?
Botulinum toxin temporarily relaxes the anal sphincter in selected patients to help a fissure heal. It does not remove the fissure, and anal pain alone is not a reason to inject it without establishing the diagnosis.
When might it be discussed?
Review stool regulation, previous topical treatment, adherence and side effects with your clinician. Persistent symptoms or difficulty tolerating topical treatment can lead to a discussion of injections. Baseline continence and other conditions remain part of that decision.
How does it differ from sphincterotomy?
The effect of an injection is temporary and does not involve cutting the sphincter. Sphincterotomy is a separate surgical option. Injections can still cause temporary leakage, so report any existing difficulty controlling gas or stool.
Plan the review
Continue the stool-management plan agreed with your team. Ask when pain and healing will be reassessed. Persistent symptoms call for review of the diagnosis and treatment response rather than automatic repeat injections.
Questions for your appointment
- Has examination confirmed a fissure?
- What benefit are we aiming for in my case?
- When will healing be checked, and what are the alternatives?