Chronic anal fissure: 1994 and a decade later--are we doing better?

Debate exists regarding whether the use of topical agents and Botox injections are as efficacious as sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

A retrospective review was performed to assess changes in management and outcomes of chronic anal fissure care in a community based colorectal practice between the individual years 1994 and 2003.

Forty-seven patients in 1994 underwent lateral partial internal sphincterotomy and had a 100% healing rate. Thirty-nine patients were treated in 2003, with 32 undergoing Botox injection and 7 undergoing sphincterotomy initially. Of the Botox patients, 35% had recurrence, and 7 subsequently required sphincterotomy. Ultimate healing rates in 2003 were 97%. Time to heal was markedly prolonged in 2003 compared with 1994. Complication rates were similar, and there was no lifestyle-altering incontinence.

Our review documents a significant change in the community approach to chronic fissure management. The addition of multiple treatment modalities prolongs time to healing from initial evaluation, but they allowed 72% of patients to avoid the need for permanent sphincter division while maintaining ultimate rates of healing.