Water Stream in Bidet Toilet Commode as a Cause of Anterior Anal Fissure: A Case-Control Study

Background: Water used as a single sharp stream in toilet commode for post defecation cleansing is a common practice in several countries across the globe including India. Repeated hitting of the anus by water stream could potentially cause injury to the anal canal epithelium and lead to development of fissure-in-ano. As the water stream is emanating from the backside of the toilet commode, the possible injury, if any, would be on the anterior anal canal. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining whether water stream usage in toilet commodes increased the incidence of anterior fissure-in-ano; this was determined by the incidence of anterior fissure-in-ano the study and control groups. Methods: All consecutive fissure-in-ano patients referring to a colorectal clinic from February 2012 to 2015 were included in the study. The patients were classified as a study group (who were using water stream for cleansing purposes in toilet commodes) and a control group (patients who were not using water stream). The characteristics and location (position) of the fissure-in-ano was noted. Results: Inthisstudy,165patientswereprospectivelyenrolled. Male/femaleratiowas96/69,andthemeanagewas36.3 ± 11.2years. The anterior fissure-in-ano in the study group was 55.9% (47/84), while it was 17.3 % (14/81) in the control group (P < 0.0001, odds ratio: 6.08, 95% CI: 2.96 - 12.47]. Conclusions: Water used as a single sharp stream to cleanse after defecation in toilet commodes is hazardous and should be avoided.