The longer term results of internal anal sphincterotomy for anal fissure

This study details the results of a retrospective analysis of 98 patients who underwent lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of fissure in ano. Data with particular emphasis on patient satisfaction and anorectal control were collected by postal questionnaire. Minimum follow up was 15 months with an average of 41 months. Ninety-seven per cent of patients indicated that they were moderately or very satisfied with the outcome of the procedure and 90% claimed symptomatic improvement with this being sustained in 69%. Eighteen per cent of patients noted ongoing new problems with minor impairment of anorectal control. Despite these symptoms, 90% of this group were also moderately or very pleased with the outcome and 72% had resolution of their symptoms which was sustained in more than two-thirds of cases. It is concluded that lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy is well tolerated and the majority of patients are more than moderately pleased with the outcome. There was however a significant incidence of minor impairment in anorectal control but this did not detract from the perceived success of the procedure.