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Published on: April 17, 2019
Patient satisfaction and symptom relief after anal dilatation
D W Oliver1, M W Booth, V F Kernick
1Department of Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, England.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|December 31, 1998
Summary
Anal dilatation offers satisfactory long-term results for anal fissure treatment, with most patients experiencing sustained symptom relief. It may be a useful adjunct for hemorrhoid treatment but is not recommended as a sole therapy.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical outcomes
Background:
- Anal dilatation is a common, minimally invasive procedure for anal fissure and hemorrhoid treatment.
- Longer-term efficacy and patient satisfaction data for anal dilatation are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the longer-term outcomes and patient satisfaction following anal dilatation for anal fissure and hemorrhoids.
- To compare the effectiveness of anal dilatation for fissure versus hemorrhoids.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 162 patients undergoing anal dilatation were followed for 16-36 months.
- A detailed questionnaire assessed symptom improvement, need for further treatment, complications, and willingness to repeat the procedure.
- Data were analyzed based on indication (fissure, hemorrhoids, or both).
Main Results:
- Symptomatic improvement was observed in 83% early on, with 76% sustained improvement.
- 7% of fissure patients and 17% of hemorrhoid patients required further hospital treatment.
- Complications like bleeding and flatus/faecal incontinence were transient and resolved in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Anal dilatation provides generally satisfactory longer-term results for anal fissure.
- It may serve as a useful adjunct for hemorrhoid treatment but is not recommended as a standalone therapy.
- The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with a high patient willingness to undergo repeat treatment if symptoms recur.
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