Muhammad Tayyab, Muhammad Muslim, Muhammad Zarin.
Role of lateral internal sphincterotomy in the surgical treatment of chronic anal fissure.
Gomal J Med Sci Jan ;8(1):70-3.

Background: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is one of the many treatment modalities for chronic anal fissure. This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of lateral internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Patients & Methods: Forty-five patients treated surgically by Lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure were included in this prospective observational study. They presented to the Surgical Out Patient Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital from February 2004 to March 2005. They were followed for 12 weeks to establish the benefits of Lateral internal sphincterotomy. Results: Thirty males and 15 females (M:F ratio 2:1) with anal pain due to chronic anal fissure were included in the study. Mean age was 34 years. Painful defecation, blood streak with stools and chronic constipation were common complaints. They were all treated surgically by Lateral internal sphincterotomy after proper preparation and followed for 3 months. Pain, bleeding from wound site and wound sepsis were the common complications followed by transient urinary retention, incontinence and recurrence. Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 6 days with a mean of 3 days. Conclusion: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is a suitable and safe procedure for patients with chronic anal fissure. It can be done effectively and safely on out patient basis and is associated with complete healing of the tear.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com