Lateral internal sphincterotom; [for the treatment of fissure in-ano] [six years experience]

To evaluate the efficacy of lateral internal sphincterotomy in fissure in-ano. This study is a prospective clinical trial. 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. 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. 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%. Lateral internal Sphincterotomy may be regarded as [The Gold Standard]