What this experience covers
This experience looks at what people describe about having fissurectomy (removal of the fissure tissue) and skin tag removal done as a combined procedure. It is a composite drawn from many anonymised accounts.
The pattern
Why they are done together
Chronic anal fissures often produce sentinel piles — skin tags that form at the outer edge of the fissure. When a fissurectomy is planned, many surgeons offer to remove these tags at the same time:
- It avoids a second procedure
- The area is already under anaesthetic
- Removing the skin tags can improve hygiene and comfort
The procedure
People describe the combined procedure as:
- Typically performed as a day case under general or spinal anaesthetic
- The fissure tissue is excised (removed)
- The associated skin tags are removed
- Botox may be injected into the sphincter at the same time
- The wounds are usually left open to heal by secondary intention
- The procedure takes 20 to 40 minutes
Recovery differences
Compared to fissurectomy alone, people describe the combined procedure as:
- Slightly more discomfort — there are additional wound sites where the tags were removed
- More external wounds to manage
- The recovery timeline is similar overall
- Skin tag removal sites heal relatively quickly
The first week
- Pain is managed with prescribed and over-the-counter medication
- Sitz baths are essential — multiple times daily
- The first bowel movement is the most anxious moment
- Bleeding and discharge are normal from all wound sites
- Rest and gentle movement
Weeks 2 to 4
- Steady improvement for most people
- The skin tag sites often heal before the fissurectomy site
- Activity gradually increases
- Bowel movements become less of an ordeal
What people wish they had known
- That having both done at once is common and practical
- That the recovery is not dramatically harder than fissurectomy alone
- That the skin tag removal sites heal relatively quickly
- That the cosmetic result takes time — the area looks different during healing
Every recovery looks different. If you are wondering whether what you are experiencing is normal for your stage, our chat can help you think through your specific situation.
When to contact your doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Heavy or persistent bleeding
- Severe pain that is getting worse
- Fever or signs of infection
- Any symptoms that concern you