Which department should you visit for rectal bleeding due to anal fissure?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
For hematochezia caused by anal fissure, the choice of department for medical consultation generally depends on the severity of symptoms and the hospital's departmental setup, and may involve the proctology department, general surgery, gastroenterology, emergency department, or traditional Chinese medicine proctology. The proctology department specializes in anorectal diseases and has extensive experience in diagnosing, classifying, and determining the causes of bleeding associated with anal fissures. It can accurately assess the condition of the anal fissure through examinations and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
When seeking medical care for rectal bleeding caused by anal fissures, the choice of department generally depends on symptom severity and hospital department setup, and may involve the proctology department, general surgery, gastroenterology, emergency department, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) proctology. Specific details are as follows:
1. **Proctology Department**: This is a specialized department for diagnosing and treating perianal diseases. It has extensive experience in diagnosing, classifying, and determining the causes of rectal bleeding due to anal fissures. Doctors can assess the condition of the fissure through examinations and develop treatment plans involving medication to stop bleeding and promote healing, or surgical intervention when necessary. It is the recommended first choice for patients with anal fissure-related bleeding.
2. **General Surgery**: If a hospital does not have a dedicated proctology department, patients with anal fissure bleeding can visit the general surgery department. General surgery covers the diagnosis and treatment of anorectal conditions. Physicians can initially determine whether the bleeding is caused by an anal fissure, rule out other intestinal bleeding issues, provide basic hemostatic treatment if needed, or refer the patient to a specialist department.
3. **Gastroenterology Department**: If rectal bleeding from an anal fissure is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits, patients may seek care in the gastroenterology department. Doctors will conduct evaluations to rule out other potential causes of bleeding, such as intestinal inflammation or polyps, while also assessing the anal fissure, enabling comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
4. **Emergency Department**: In cases of heavy, persistent rectal bleeding or if symptoms of anemia such as dizziness and fatigue occur, immediate care should be sought at the emergency department. Emergency physicians can quickly implement hemostatic measures to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent life-threatening complications from excessive blood loss. Once stabilized, the patient can be referred to a specialty department for further treatment.
5. **TCM Proctology Department**: Based on traditional Chinese medical theory, the TCM proctology department specializes in treating anal fissures using methods such as herbal sitz baths and oral herbal medicine. These treatments aim to stop bleeding and promote wound healing simultaneously, making this department suitable for patients who prefer TCM therapies or wish to avoid surgical intervention.
After experiencing rectal bleeding from an anal fissure, it is recommended to first consult the proctology or TCM proctology department for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Patients should clearly describe the frequency, amount, and associated symptoms of the bleeding during consultation and cooperate with medical examinations to identify the underlying cause. During treatment, maintaining soft stools is essential to avoid aggravating the injury to the fissure site.
