Results of lateral internal sphincterotomy with open technique for chronic anal fissure: evaluation of complications, symptom relief, and incontinence with long-term follow-up

Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Oct;54(10):2220-4. doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0621-3. Epub 2009 Jan 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the results of open lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) and the recurrence and incontinence rate, to perform a long-term assessment of incontinence and to assess complications and relief of symptoms. This clinical prospective study was undertaken in patients undergoing open LIS. One hundred and twenty-nine patients entered the study. Mean duration of pain relief was 1.2 +/- 0.4 days and mean time before defecation without pain was 1.9 +/- 1.0 days. Complication rate was 41.8%. We found that urine retention was seen frequently in males. We demonstrated that open LIS up to the dentate line does not have a higher rate of incontinence. Incontinence after LIS was only to flatus and two-thirds of these resolved in 6 weeks. No patient showed improvement of incontinence after 6 weeks.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Female
  • Fissure in Ano / surgery*
  • Flatulence / etiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence