Comparative study of local calcium channel blocker application and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: study of 50 cases.

Abstract

Background: The treatment of chronic anal fissure has changed greatly during the past two decades with ongoing research directed at lowering the internal anal sphincter tone and avoiding the risk of fecal continence disturbance. Glycerin trinitrate, topical calcium channel blockers and anal dilators and botulinum toxin injection alone are all known to be able to lower the internal anal sphincter tone but results have been disappointing in curing chronic anal fissure, often marginally better than to placebo. The surgical treatment in the form of lateral internal sphincterotomy is the gold standard for chronic anal fissure. Aims & Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of medical treatment in form of topical calcium channel blocker and surgery in the management of chronic anal fissure. The objective is to compare the efficacy with regard to complete healing, recurrence, incontinence and other complications after treatment with topical calcium channel blocker and lateral anal sphincterotomy. Material and Methods: From October 2010 to October 2012, 50 patients with typical chronic anal fissure completed the study. 25 patients were initially treated with topical calcium channel blocker for 8 weeks and rests 25 were treated with lateral anal sphincterotomy. During the follow-up healing rates, symptoms, incontinence scores, and therapy adverse effects were recorded. Results: Overall healing rates were 60% after 8 weeks therapy with topical calcium channel blocker. Whereas overall healing after lateral internal sphincterotomy group was 88% with no recurrence. Conclusion: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is far more effective than medical treatment, with significantly increased healing rates while avoiding risk of incontinence.