Anal Stretch Plus Fissurectomy for Chronic Anal Fissure

Introduction : Anal fissure is a common disease. Usually chronic anal fissures are managed medically. When conservative management fails, surgical treatment should be considered. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has been advocated as the first choice invasive treatment but it has a reported rate of major fecal incontinence of 5%. In order to reduce the onset of major fecal incontinence after anal fissure surgery, it has been proposed to use the anal stretching plus fissurectomy.

Methods : From 2008 to 2011, 457 patients have been operated for chronic anal fissure.

Results : Twenty-seven patients underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy, two patients underwent posterior sphincterotomy and 428 patients underwent anal stretch plus fissurectomy. Satisfactory results have been reported in 95% of the cases. Transient incontinence rates have been of 3% after anal stretch and of 14,8% after lateral internal sphincterotomy (p < 0,05). Major and persistent incontinence rates have been reported in a case after later internal sphincterotomy (3%) but never after anal stretching (p = 0,059). Recurrence occurred in 2% of the patients after anal stretch and in 3% of the cases after lateral internal sphincterotomy (p = ns).

Conclusion : Lateral internal sphincterotomy and anal stretch have nearly a reported 95% of good results but the first have 3–5% rates of major incontinence.     

Lateral Internal Partial Sphincterotomy Technique for Chronic Anal Fissure

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is used for the treatment of a chronic anal fissure. There is a lack of consensus for the amount of internal sphincter division necessary in the surgical treatment of an anal fissure. The anatomy of the anal sphincters and the subcutaneous partial sphincterotomy technique are presented with fresh anal canal specimen photographs. Lateral internal partial sphincterotomy is performed in 43 patients in the office between 2012 and 2013. The patients were questioned about their bowel habitus and any problem with anal control before the operation. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up by office visits and telephone calls at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Data were collected prospectively. Forty of the patients (93 %) were pain free in 1 week after the operation. Further sphincter fibers were divided in three patients (7 %) because of the persistent pain. The most common complication was the sensation of burning (n?=?9, 20.9 %) around the anus. Bleeding in three patients, itching around the anus in two patients, and incontinence to flatus in one patient were the other complications. None of the patients developed fecal incontinence in the follow-up period. Lateral internal partial sphincterotomy is a safe, effective, and reproducible technique for the management of chronic anal fissure pain.     

Comparative Study of Glyceryl Trinitrate Ointment Versus Surgical Management of Chronic Anal Fissure

Chronic Anal Fissure (CAF) is common perineal condition and well-known painful entity. Standard surgical treatment even though available, may require long hospital stay and sometimes have worrying complications like anal incontinence. So non-surgical treatment, Glyceryl Trinitrate has been shown to be an effective for chronic anal fissure. It decreases anal tone and ultimately heals the anal fissure. The present study is the attempt to know the efficacy of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure and to compare the effectiveness of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment (GTN) versus fissurectomy with lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) and fissurectomy with posterior internal sphincterotomy (PIS) in the management of chronic anal fissure. This is a prospective comparative study of management of chronic anal fissure done in our hospital during the period of one and half year from October 2005 to March 2007. Thirty patients treated with 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment and 30 patients treated with fissurectomy and lateral internal sphincterotomy and 30 patients treated with posterior internal sphincterotomy, for chronic anal fissure were selected for study. A single brand of 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate ointment (Nitrogesic) used for trial arm. Dose of administration was 1.5 cm to 2 cm in the anal canal with device provided by manufacturers of the proprietary preparation and applied twice a daily for 12 weeks. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks and thereafter evaluated for relief of symptoms in all three groups. Observations were recorded at 2 weeks; 6 weeks and 12 weeks of follow up period, regarding symptoms like pain and bleeding during defecation, healing of CAF and also for side effects like headache in GTN group and flatus, fecal incontinence in surgical groups. Data collected in proforma and analyzed. Study revealed CAF was more in male 59 patients (66%) than the female 31 patients (34%), the ratio being 1: 0.52. The maximum number of patients was encountered in the age group of 20 to 40 years with mean duration of age 34.14 years. In all three groups symptoms like pain, bleeding, constipation and sphincter spasm were present. Sentinel pile was present in 56% of the patients. Common site of fissure was found to be posterior in 94% of patients. Observations with respect to relief of pain, no bleeding and healing were recorded at 2, 6 and 12 weeks of duration. Lateral sphincterotomy remains effective but should be reserved for the patients who fail to respond to initial chemical sphincterotomy or GTN therapy. GTN is good alternative mode of therapy for patients who refuse surgery and prefer medical line of treatment.     

Botulinum Toxin Injection Versus Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background  

Although lateral internal sphincterotomy has been the gold standard of treatment for chronic anal fissure, the main concern remains its effects on anal continence. Intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin seems to be a reliable option providing temporary alleviation of sphincter spasm and allowing the fissure to heal. The aim of the present prospective controlled randomized study was to compare the outcome of lateral internal sphincterotomy and botulinum toxin injection treatments in patients with uncomplicated chronic anal fissure.     

Faecal incontinence after lateral internal sphincterotomy is often associated with coexisting occult sphincter defects: a study using endoanal ultrasonography

Background : Troublesome faecal incontinence following a lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is often attributed to faulty surgical techniques: division of excessive amount of internal sphincter or inadvertent injury to the external sphincter. The aim of the present paper was to assess the anatomic and physiological factors that may contribute to faecal incontinence following a technically satisfactory lateral internal sphincterotomy by a group of colorectal specialists. Methods : Fourteen patients (nine women, five men; median age: 38 years; range: 23–52 years) who developed troublesome postoperative faecal incontinence were evaluated by clinical assessment, endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal physiological studies (manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency) by two independent observers. The Cleveland Clinic continence score (0–20; 0, perfect continence; 20, complete incontinence) was used to quantify the severity of faecal incontinence. Fourteen continent subjects after a LIS (nine female patients, five male patients; median age: 36 years; range: 20–44 years) were also evaluated as ‘continent’ controls (continence score ≤ 4). Results : In the incontinent group, the median postoperative Cleveland Clinic continence score was 9 (range: 6–13) compared with a preoperative score of 1 (range: 0–3). On assessment by endoanal ultrasonography the site of the internal sphincterotomy was clearly identified. There were additional coexisting defects, on endoanal ultrasonography, of the external anal sphincter in seven female patients, of the internal sphincter in two female and two male patients; and a defect of both the external and internal sphincters in a male patient who had had a prior fistulotomy. The pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) was prolonged in two female patients on the side contralateral to the lateral internal sphincterotomy. In two of five male patients there was no evidence of any occult sphincter injuries. In the continent controls a defect of the distal portion of the external sphincter was noted in one female patient. None of the patients had a prolonged PNTML. The maximum voluntary contraction was significantly lower in the female subjects than in the female continent controls (92 mmHg vs 140 mmHg; P < 0.05), while the resting anal canal pressures and length of the high pressure zone were similar between the study subjects and the continent controls. Conclusion : Troublesome faecal incontinence after a satisfactorily performed lateral internal sphincterotomy is often associated with coexisting occult sphincter defects.     

Internal anal sphincter function following lateral internal sphincterotomy for anal fissure: a long-term manometric study

BACKGROUND: Anal fissure is a common and painful disorder. Its relation to hypertonic anal sphincter is controversial. The most common surgical treatment of chronic anal fissure is lateral internal sphincterotomy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term manometric results of sphincter healing following lateral internal sphincterotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2003, 50 patients with anal fissure were included in this study and underwent sphincterotomy; 12 healthy patients served as controls. All patients with anal fissure underwent manometric evaluation using a 6-channel perfusion catheter. All patients were examined 1 month before surgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following surgery. The control group had 3 manometric evaluations 6 months apart. RESULTS: The mean basal resting pressure before surgery was 138 +/- 28 mm Hg. One month after surgery, the pressure dropped to 86 +/- 15 mm Hg (P < 0.0001) and gradually rose to a plateau at 12 months (110 +/- 18 mm Hg, P < 0.0001). At 12 months, the manometric pressure was significantly lower than the baseline (P < 0.0001). However, manometric measurements in the fissure group were still significantly higher than in the control group (110 +/- 18 versus 73 +/- 4.8 mm Hg, P < 0.0001). All patients were free of symptoms at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lateral internal sphincterotomy caused a significant decline in the resting anal pressure. During the first year following surgery, the tone of the internal anal sphincter gradually increased, indicating recovery, but still remained significantly lower than before surgery. However, postoperative resting pressures were higher than those in the control, and no patient suffered any permanent problems with incontinence, so this decrease may not be clinically significant.     

The Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure with Botulinum Toxin

Background /Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for the treatment of uncomplicated dorsal chronic idiopathic anal fissure.

Material and Methods: Forty-five patients who reported post defecatory anal pain since two months or more were given a total of 20U botulinum toxin in the anal sphincter apparatus on both sides as well as below the anal fissure. Results: Thirty-seven patients received a second session of 25U botulinum toxin injection. Thirty-five patients (78%) presented completely healed anal fissure, while ten needed lateral internal sphincterotomy. All patients were followed up for 8-36 months. Two patients relapsed.

Conclusion: Local injection of botulinum toxin is a new and safe treatment; however, two sessions of injections are necessary to be effective and long-term follow-up to assess the recurrence rate of fissure is needed to evaluate further this method of treatment. Partial internal lateral sphincterotomy is no more the treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure.     

Results following conservative lateral sphincteromy for the treatment of chronic anal fissures

Introduction Lateral sphincterotomy is now the standard surgical treatment for fissure‐in‐ano. Healing is achieved in 90% of cases, however, sphincterotomy also carries a significant risk of incontinence. Traditional sphincterotomy comprises of division of the internal sphincter up to the level of the dentate line, a more conservative division could lead to a lower incontinence rate, with an equivalent healing rate. Materials and methods A total of 65 patients undergoing conservative lateral sphincterotomy under a single operator between January 1996 and January 2002 were reviewed. Specific questions were asked regarding overall success of the operation, leakage of fluid, faeces or flatus and recurrence of fissure symptoms. Supplemental data was obtained from a retrospective analysis of the patients' case notes to ascertain demographics, length of hospital stay and complication rate. Results Sixty of 65 patients responded to our postal questionnaire. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1 and the mean age 40.3 years of age. No complications were recorded and 97% of patients had achieved fissure healing by the time of their out‐patient follow‐up (mean 6.9 weeks). Two patients reported new incontinence following their procedure; one patient experienced incontinence of fluid and flatus (1.7%) and the remaining patient complained of incontinence to flatus only. No patients experienced incontinence of faeces. Eleven patients experienced persistent symptoms of pain and bleeding but only 6 of these patients required treatment from their general practitioner which consisted of stool softeners and topical analgesia. No patients required re‐operation. Conclusion A conservative division of the internal anal sphincter results in adequate fissure healing and a much lower incontinence rate than that previously recorded in the literature for more traditional divisions of the internal anal sphincter.     

Treatment of chronic anal fissure using closed internal and lateral sphincterotomy

When the conservative treatment of the chronic anal fissure (nitrates, topical calcium channel blockers, topical nifedipine, lignocaine and cortisone compounds) proves to be inefficient, the surgery may be opted for. From among all surgical procedures (anal dilation, fissure excision, anal advancement flap) we have opted for closed internal and lateral sphincterotomy. During the period of 1990-2002, there have been performed by just one surgeon 47 sphincterotomies (15 men-32 women), average age 49 (23-76). Results: There has not been any case of anal incontinence for gases or faeces, precocious or late; 1 para anal hematoma (2.12%) solved through puncture; 2 anal abscesses (4.25%), solved through incision and tegmen drainage. Control in 6 month's time and 1 year time: normal quality of life, without any subjective complaints; painless rectal touch, healing of the fissure, extensible anal sphincter, normal continence. The sphincterotomy was followed by the disappearance of the cleft syndrome with all patients. Although the literature contains citations of transitory and minimum incontinence in 2-4% of the cases, we have not noticed in any; no recurrences have been registered; morbidity is acceptable. The future will decide if, between sphincterotomy and the injection with the botulinum toxin, the latter one is to be preferred.     

Treatment of anal fissure by lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy]

50 patients have been followed up after lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure. The results are excellent. This operation has some advantages over against the posterior sphincterotomy or the sphincter stretching and should replace these latter procedures in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. The lateral internal sphincterotomy may probably be applied for other benign anal lesions.     

Quality of life assessment in patients with chronic anal fissure after lateral internal sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of patients with chronic anal fissure before and after open lateral internal sphincterotomy. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken of 108 consecutive patients with a history of chronic anal fissure who underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. Quality of life was measured before and 6 months after operation with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. RESULTS: Quality of life improved significantly in six of the eight scales of the SF-36 questionnaire: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, energy, social functioning and mental health. There were no significant differences between the 70 patients who had no change in continence after operation and the 38 patients with continence disturbances after sphincterotomy. However, there were significant improvements in four scales in patients without changes in continence compared with improvements in only two scales in those with continence disturbances. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic anal fissure showed an improvement in quality of life 6 months after internal lateral sphincterotomy. Patients with postoperative continence disturbances showed improvement in fewer scales of the SF-36 questionnaire than those without changes in continence.     

控制性括约肌侧切术治疗陈旧性肛裂的临床疗效

为探讨控制性括约肌侧切术治疗陈旧性肛裂的疗效，将118例陈旧性肛裂患者随机分为两组，分别采用控制性内括约肌侧切术（治疗组）和传统的内括约肌侧切扩肛术（对照组）治疗，并对比分析两组治疗结果。结果显示，两组患者均一次性治愈，均无大便失禁发生。但治疗组和对照组分别有1例和6例肛门气体失禁。随访至今，治疗组无复发，对照组复发1例。结果表明，控制性括约肌侧切术减少了不必要的组织损伤，更好地保护了肛门功能，可～次性治愈陈旧性肛裂，且操作简单，适合基层医疗单位推广应用。     

Surgical versus chemical (botulinum toxin) sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure: long-term results of a prospective randomized clinical and manometric study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to compare the effectiveness and morbidity of surgical versus chemical sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure after a 3-year follow-up. METHODS: Eighty patients with chronic anal fissure were treated by whether open lateral internal sphincterotomy (group 1) or chemical sphincterotomy with 25 U botulinum toxin injected into the internal sphincter (group 2). Clinical and manometric results were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall healing was 92.5% in the open sphincterotomy group and 45% in the toxin botulinum group (P<.001). There is a group of patients with clinical (duration of disease >12 months and presence of a sentinel pile before treatment) and manometric factors (persistently elevated mean resting pressure, % of time presence of slow waves, and number of patients or the time presence ultra slow waves after treatment) associated with a higher recurrence of anal fissure. The final percentage of incontinence was 5% in the open sphincterotomy group and 0% in the botulinum toxin group (P>.05). CONCLUSION: We recommend surgical sphincterotomy as the first therapeutic approach in patients with clinical and manometric factors of recurrence. We prefer the use of botulinum toxin in patients older than 50 years or with risk factors for incontinence, despite the higher rate of recurrence, since it avoids the greater risk of incontinence in the surgical group.     

Botulinum toxin injection versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: randomized prospective controlled trial

Purpose

Lateral internal sphincterotomy has been the gold standard treatment for chronic anal fissure, but it still carries the risk of permanent damage of the anal sphincter, which has led to the implementation of alternative treatment like botulinum toxin injection. The aim of this randomized prospective controlled trial was to compare the efficacy and morbidity of botulinum toxin injection and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Methods

Fifty consecutive adults with chronic anal fissure were randomly treated with either lateral internal sphincterotomy or botulinum toxin (BT) injection with 50 U BT into the internal sphincter. The complications, healing and recurrence rate, and incontinence score were assessed 2, 3, 6, 12 months after the procedure.

Results

Inspection at the 2-month visit revealed complete healing of the fissure in 11 (44?%) of the patients in the BT group and 22 (88?%) of the patients in the lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) group (p?=?0.001). At the 3-month visit, there was no significant difference between the two groups in healing. The overall recurrence rate after 6 months in the BT group was higher than in the LIS group (p?<?0.05). In the 3-month follow-up, the LIS group had a higher rate of anal incontinence compared to the BT group (p?<?0.05). The final percentage of incontinence was 4?% in the LIS group (p?>?0.05).

Conclusions

The treatment of chronic anal fissure must be individualized depending on the different clinical profiles of patients. Botulinum toxin injection has a higher recurrence rate than LIS, and LIS provides rapid and permanent recovery. However, LIS carries a higher risk of anal incontinence in patients.     

Comparative Study of Conventional Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy, V-Y Anoplasty, and Tailored Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy with V-Y Anoplasty in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure

Background

Lateral internal sphincterotomy has been proven highly effective in curing anal fissure but with a high incidence of postoperative incontinence.

Objective

We compared conventional lateral internal sphincterotomy, V-Y advancement flap, and combined tailored lateral internal sphincterotomy with V-Y advancement flap in treating anal fissure.

Patients

Consecutive patients treated for anal fissure at our colorectal unit were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive conventional sphincterotomy (GI), V-Y advancement flap (GII), or combined tailored lateral sphincterotomy with V-Y advancement l flap (GIII).

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the incontinence rate; secondary outcomes included healing rate, operative time, anal manometery, and recurrence rate.

Results

One hundred fifty patients with chronic anal fissure were randomized. Healing rate after 1?year was 84?% in GI, 48?% in GII, and 94?% in GIII, respectively (P?=?0.001). The recurrence rate was 4?% in G1, 22?% in GII, and 2?% in GIII (P?=?0.01). Incontinence rate was 14?% in GI, 0?% in GII, and 2?% in GIII (P?=?0.03).

Conclusion

Although all three procedures are simple and easy to perform, tailored lateral internal sphincterotomy with V-YF appears to produce the greatest healing rate, with the fewest complications and less rate of recurrence.     

A Comparison Between the Results of Fissurectomy and Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy in the Surgical Management of Chronic Anal Fissure

Background  We compare lateral internal sphincterotomy as an effective treatment of chronic fissure in ano to fissurectomy, which is as an alternative surgical treatment. Methods  Sixty two consecutive patients were divided into two groups through sequential sampling. Thirty patients underwent fissurectomy and 32 underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. After a median follow-up of 22 months, we compared the results of the two procedures. In addition to frequent visits on a predetermined basis, a telephone inquiry into fissure recurrence and continence status was made. Results  All patients in both groups were pain-free and without bleeding within 1 week. In both groups, urinary retention was noted in one patient. Incontinence to flatus was noted in the fissurectomy (F) group in two (6.2%) patients, but no incontinence was noted in the lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) group. There was one patient (3.1%) with fissure recurrence in the F group but none in the LIS group. No patient in either group was afflicted with anal stenosis or perianal infections. All wounds healed within 8 weeks. Twenty nine patients (96.6%) in the LIS group and 28 (87.5%) in the F group reported satisfactory results with their procedure. Conclusion  In the surgical treatment of chronic anal fissure not responding to conservative management, LIS may be the better treatment and, perhaps, the preferable surgical technique with fewer total complications (P < 0.005).     

Changing patterns of treatment for chronic anal fissure.

To assess changing patterns of treatment for chronic anal fissure, a retrospective analysis of treatment for chronic anal fissure within one hospital between January 1990 and December 1996 was undertaken. A total of 221 patients received treatment for a chronic anal fissure in this period, of whom 209 had a surgical procedure. Manual dilatation of the anus was performed in 21 patients (10%) and has not been performed since 1995. Lateral internal sphincterotomy was performed in 183 patients (88%) and continues to be the mainstay of treatment. Five female patients (2%) were identified as having a sphincter defect by anal manometry combined with endoanal ultrasound and were treated by an anal advancement flap. From 1996 onwards, 15 patients (7%) were treated by topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) paste as the first line of treatment. Of these patients, nine have experienced healing of their fissure, and three have had relief of pain without healing of the fissure. Three have gone on to have a lateral internal sphincterotomy. Lateral internal sphincterotomy remains the primary form of treatment for chronic anal fissure. GTN cream has increasingly been offered as preliminary treatment over the last 12 months. Perioperative use of endoanal ultrasound allowed identification of patients who may be at high risk of postoperative incontinence from a sphincterotomy. An anal advancement flap has been used as an alternative surgical approach for these patients.     

Fissurectomy and anal advancement flap for anterior chronic anal fissure without hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter in females

Aim Lateral internal sphincterotomy is considered the surgical treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure after failure of medical therapy but it risks continence. The aim of the study was to evaluate fissurectomy with advancement flap for anterior chronic anal fissure (CAAF) resistant to medical therapy. Method Sixteen women with CAAF without hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter, unresponsive to previous medical treatment, were included in the study. Absence of hypertonia was defined as a maximum anal resting pressure (MRP) of less than 85 mmHg. All patients underwent fissurectomy with an advancement skin flap. Results Complete healing occurred in all patients within 30 days. The intensity and the duration of pain after defecation reduced from the first postoperative defecation. MRP before surgery and at 6 months showed no significant difference. At 1 month, four patients experienced a continence disturbance, two of whom had it preoperatively. At 12 months, two (12.5%) patients continued to experience a continence disturbance. Conclusion Fissurectomy with skin advancement flap resulted in complete healing and full relief of symptoms in all patients. There was a low incidence of continence disturbance.     

Fissurectomy and isosorbide dinitrate for chronic fissure in ano not responding to conservative treatment

BACKGROUND: Although lateral sphincterotomy heals chronic fissure in ano in over 90 per cent of cases it is a surgical technique with inherent complications. To avoid such complications, chronic fissure in ano was treated by fissurectomy in this study. To enhance postoperative tissue perfusion allowing stable wound healing, fissurectomy was combined with temporary chemical sphincterotomy by a nitric oxide donor cream. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients (ten women) with chronic fissure in ano not responding to conservative management underwent diathermy fissurectomy. After operation patients used a 1 per cent isosorbide dinitrate cream. Postoperative follow-up continued until wounds had healed, at which time anal endosonography was performed. A telephone inquiry into fissure recurrence and continence status was made. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent fissurectomy, without postoperative complications. All wounds had healed within 10 weeks. No fissure recurrence was seen after a median follow-up of 29 months. Histopathology showed non-specific scar tissue without signs of internal anal sphincter fibrosis. Postoperative endosonography showed no evidence of new internal sphincter defects. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of chronic anal fissure not responding to chemical sphincterotomy with nitric oxide donors, fissurectomy in combination with isosorbide dinitrate cream may be a sphincter-sparing surgical technique.     

Fissure-in-ano, to divide or not to divide?

Anal fissure is one of the most common and painful proctological pathologies affecting mainly young individuals. The physiopathology in the development of a chronic anal fissure seems to be a combination of internal anal sphincter hypertonia and poor vascularization at the posterior midline. Treatment of acute fissures is conservative with supportive therapy, leading to healing in the majority of the patients. Open or closed lateral internal sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for chronic anal fissures. In low pressure chronic fissures, sphincterotomy should be avoided and a V-Y island advancement flap may be an alternative procedure. Sphincterotomy can induce anal incontinence, a feared complication of this technique. Recent interest has developed in chemical sphincterotomy with local botulin toxin injections or glyceryl trinitrate application. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate these new therapeutic options.