Ziv Medical Center Offers New Botox Treatment for Anal Fissures

The Ziv Medical Center in Safed has introduced a new treatment for anal fissures using Botox injections, offering a non-surgical option for patients suffering from the condition. This innovative service, available at only a few public medical centers in Israel, aims to avoid surgical intervention and alleviate the pain and distress associated with anal fissures.

Dr. Gali Westreich, a specialist in colon, rectal, and anal surgery and the first woman in northern Israel to practice in this field, leads the team providing the treatment. The procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the internal anal sphincter muscle. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscle, reducing pressure in the area and improving blood flow, which creates better conditions for the fissure to heal.

Anal fissures are small tears in the anal lining that often cause sharp pain during and after bowel movements, sometimes accompanied by bleeding. When traditional treatments fail, Botox injections can be considered. This new service provides a convenient, local option for residents of northern Israel, eliminating the need to travel to central Israel for advanced care.

Dr. Westreich, who previously worked at Sheba Medical Center, joined Ziv Medical Center to expand specialized services in the region. She emphasized that the Botox treatment is a viable option for suitable patients, potentially avoiding surgery and significantly reducing suffering. Professor Aviram Nissan, Director of the Surgical Department at Ziv, stated that expanding colon and rectal surgery services is part of the center's commitment to providing advanced medical care to northern residents close to home.