title: Physiopathology of the anal fissure.
abstract: The physiopathology of anal fissures is still not completely elucidated. Most probably, chronic anal fissures are ischaemic ulcers, continuously enhanced by sphincter hypertonia. The dorsal location of most fissures is attributed to the scarcity of arteriolar anastomoses dorsally. The healing process is obstructed by fibrosis, provoked by repeated mechanical injuries and chronic inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Dienst Maag-Darm-Leverziekten, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Universiteit Antwerpen.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Outryve
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D005401:Fissure in Ano / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans