LATERAL INTERNAL SPHINCTEROTOM

(FOR THE TREATMENT OF FISSUREIN-ANO) (SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of lateral internal sphincterotomy in fissure in-ano. Design: This study is a prospective clinical
trial. Place a n d Duration: It was conducted initially at D.H.Q./ Allied Hospital (PMC) Faisalabad and then other centers from November 2001
to onward for the period of six years. Patients a n d M e t h o d s : 140 patients, in urgency due to sever pain, non-compliance to conservative and
pharmacological management, or their preference were treated by lateral internal sphincterotomy. The patients were followed up at 1 st to 12th
weeks. The extent of improvement in presenting symptoms and complications were noted on questionnaires. Results: Lateral internal
sphincterotomy relieved 140 (100%) patients. Transient incontinence of flatus was present in 64.3%, at 1st week that was resolved at 8-12th
weeks. There was no recurrence in other complications included infection 7.1%, abscess 7.1% and anesthesia related problems in 14.2 %.
C o n c l u s i o n : Lateral internal Sphincterotomy may be regarded as "The Gold Standard"