Segmental internal sphincterotomy--a new technique for treatment of chronic anal fissure

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is an effective treatment for fissure in ano but carries a definite risk of incontinence. In trial to avoid this complication, segmental lateral internal sphincterotomy was used to treat chronic anal fissures.

The lateral internal sphincterotomy was done in two parts and at different planes.

This study was conducted in the General Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt.

This study was undertaken on 50 patients (43 men and seven women, with mean age of 37.3 years) with chronic fissure in ano from January 2009 to December 2010.

Under general or local anesthesia, lateral internal sphincterotomy was done in two segments under direct vision. Preoperative and postoperative anal manometry study was recorded.

Postoperative course with early and long-term results were recorded. Mean follow-up was 18.5 months (ranging from 6 to 24 months).

In 31 patients, the technique was done under general anesthesia and the remainder under local anesthesia. The fissures and anal wounds were healed within 4 weeks. Pain was significantly reduced in all patients at day 1 postoperative. Early complications included mild hematoma and urine retention in one male patient (2%). No transient or any persistent degree of incontinence occurred in these patients group.

Segmental lateral internal sphincterotomy is a safe, easy, and effective procedure and not associated with risk of incontinence for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.