This page will give you information about a lateral internal sphincterotomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

You can also download and print a PDF version of this factsheet, with space for your own questions or notes.

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a tear in the skin around your back passage. It is a common problem that causes severe pain, especially after a bowel movement. It may also cause bleeding. The condition is associated with spasm of the internal anal sphincter. This reduces the blood supply to the area and prevents healing. The treatment is aimed at breaking this cycle to allow healing to take place.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Surgery should help the anal fissure to heal but is usually recommended if the fissure has not healed with non-surgical treatments.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

There are simple treatments which may help such as laxatives, ointments, injections of Botox, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet and drinking plenty of fluid.

What does the operation involve?

Sphincterotomy simply means dividing the sphincter. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 15 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a small cut on the skin near your back passage. They will cut the lower part of the internal sphincter muscle. This will relieve the spasm in the sphincter, allowing a better blood supply to heal the fissure.

What complications can happen?

General complications

• pain
• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)

Specific complications

• involuntarily passing wind or loose faeces
• difficulty passing urine
• permanent incontinence from your bowel

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day. The pain from the fissure should improve rapidly. You should be able to return to work after a few days, depending on your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities.

The fissure can come back.

Summary

An anal fissure is a common condition that causes a lot of pain. At first, it may be treated with ointments or Botox. If this fails, surgery is the best option for a cure.

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