Anal Fissure Disease: Prevention and Quality of Life

Anal fissures have a tendency for recurrence or chronicity. Katsinelos et al. (2006) observed 16% recurrences, and Jensen et al. (1987) 25%. Therefore, strategies to avoid such developments should be designed. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study concerning 90 patients with acute anal fissure, Jensen (1987) was able to prove that after the administration of 5 g of unprocessed bran (three times daily over a year), a recurrence affected only 16% of the cases. The placebo group, however, showed 68% recurrences. Bran absorbs four times its weight in water, and thus effects a voluminous stool which leads to a physiological dilatation of the anus during its passage. Contrary to bran, Plantago ovata (flee seed husks; Mucofalk®) increases substantially in volume, so that its administration promises an even better therapeutic effect.