ABSTRACT
1] To evaluate the effectiveness of topical 0.2% Glyceryl Trinitrate [GTN] ointment in symptomatic relief and healing of anal fissure. 2] To establish the role of GTN as a first line treatment for both acute and chronic anal fissure. 3] To elaborate the safety profile of GTN with respect to its side effects. Prospective, randomized case control study. Surgical unit II, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. 1 year from 1-2-2005 to 31-2-2006. Fifty patients of all ages and either sex with a clinical diagnosis of fissure in ano [both acute and chronic] were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group [Group-A] was advised 0.2% GTN ointment whereas the control group [Group-B] was prescribed a local anesthetic ointment [Lignocaine Compound [R] Knoll]. Both groups applied the given drugs twice daily for a period of 8 weeks and follow-up at the end of first, second and eighth week was carried out. A long-term follow-up at the end of 6 months was undertaken to look for any recurrence of the disease. 18 patients out of 50 patients presented with acute anal fissure while 32 presented with chronic anal fissure. 77% of patients with acute fissure in Group A showed fissure healing while 44% of patients with acute fissure were benefited in Group B. When the failures of group B were subjected to GTN, 80% of the patients showed healing of their fissures. 81% of patients suffering from chronic anal fissure were cured in Group A while 25% of patients showed improvement in Group B. Nonbenefited patients in group B when subjected to GTN, 66% showed fissure healing. Recurrence was seen in 8 patients in group A [24%] and 3 patients in group [38%] at long term follow-up. Anal fissure is a common general surgical problem associated with severe anal pain. Regarding conservative treatment, the advent of GTN is a healing hope for patients with anal fissure. It has revolutionized the non-surgical treatment, as it is effective, safe and economical in terms of cure of both acute and chronic anal fissures