An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin around the opening of your anus.
An anal sphincterotomy involves surgically making a cut in the anal sphincter muscle (the ring-like muscle that opens and closes the anus). This means that you will strain less when going to the toilet and put less pressure on the fissure, giving it time to heal.
Before your Operation
You may have to attend a pre-admission appointment to assess your suitability for anaesthesia. At this appointment you will also be given a fasting instructions leaflet. It is often possible to do this operation as a day case.
On the Day of Surgery
Usually no specific preparation is needed.
Following your Operation
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A pad dressing will be put into your anus to stop any bleeding. Once you go home from hospital your wound will need to be dressed daily - your nurse will arrange with your GP for a District Nurse to visit you at home.
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You will be advised to take painkillers and laxatives and drink plenty of water and eat a high fibre diet so that you do not become constipated.
Risks Involved
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Usually after a lateral sphincterotomy, your fissure should heal within 2-4 weeks, and is hoped that it will not return. However, we cannot guarantee that you will never get another fissure , and in a few cases they do return.
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Faecal incontinance can be a surgery side effect and occasionally there is more difficulty in cleaning the anal area after a bowel action. Few people also experience difficulty in controlling wind (flatus)
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Pain
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Bleeding
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Infection in surgical wound
Benefits
Relieves the pain associated with a fissure and allows the fissure to heal.
Alternative to this Procedure
Anal stretch.
Non Surgical Alternatives
Medications and change of diet.