Comparative evaluation of fissurectomy versus lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure

Abstract

Background: Anal fissure is a common anorectal condition that affecting all age groups, but it is seen in young and healthy adults with equal incidence across both the sexes. The objective of this study was to evaluate and prospectively compare fissurectomy versus lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure in terms of symptomatic relief, healing, recurrence and incontinence, if any.Methods: 50 patients with chronic anal fissure were alternately divided in two groups. In one group fissurectomy was done and in another group, patients underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy and comparative evaluation was done.Results: Complete healing was observed in 92% patients in fissurectomy group and 96% patients in lateral internal sphincterotomy group at the end of 6 weeks. Fissurectomy group patients reported early cut through of sutures and infection whereas in lateral internal sphincterotomy group two patients developed perianal hematoma at 3 months of follow up.Conclusions: While considering surgical management for treating chronic anal fissure, fissurectomy is comparable to lateral internal sphincterotomy in terms of symptomatic pain relief, healing rates with minimal side effects and low recurrence.