Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

A longitudinal ulcer in the anal canal is known as what?

1. Fistula in ano

2. Fissure in ano

3. Anal prolapse

4. Hemorrhoid

The correct answer is: Fissure in ano

A longitudinal ulcer in the anal canal is indeed referred to as a fissure in ano. This term describes a break or tear in the skin of the anal canal, which often presents as a painful ulcer that can occur due to trauma, chronic constipation, or diarrhea. The fissure can lead to discomfort, bleeding during bowel movements, and spasm of the anal sphincter, making it a significant clinical concern. Understanding the nature of anal fissures is important for diagnosis and management. They can be differentiated from other conditions such as a fistula in ano, which is an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the surrounding skin, typically resulting from an infection or an abscess. Anal prolapse refers to the protrusion of the rectal tissue through the anal opening, while hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can cause pain, itching, or bleeding but do not necessarily present as longitudinal ulcers. Recognizing these distinctions helps in providing appropriate treatment options and improving patient care in the field of anal and rectal diseases.