Frequency of Persistent Postoperative Incontinence in Closed Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy for Chronic Anal Fissure

Objectives: The objective of this study is: To determine frequency of persistent postoperative incontinence in closed lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure. Study design: Descriptive study (Case series). Place and duration: The study was undertaken at the department of the General Surgery, Nishtar Hospital Multan from Nov5,2008 to May 5, 2009. Material and methods: One hundred and ten (110) consecutive patients of chronic anal fissure were admitted from Nov 5,2008 to May 5,2009 and underwent closed lateral internal anal sphincterotomy. Patients were followed at one-weekly interval for three weeks for persistent postoperative incontinence. Results: One hundred and ten patients with chronic anal fissure were chosen who underwent Closed lateral internal anal sphincterotomy and followed for three weeks post operatively for persistent postoperative incontinence, mean age was 35.15 years, there were 90(81.8%) males and 20(18.18%) females. On postoperative follow up for three weeks only 4(3.6%) shows incontinence. In this study it was observed that the outcome of Close Lateral Internal Anal Sphincterotomy with Von-Greaves (cataract) knife in terms of continence has good patient's acceptance. Conclusions: Closed lateral internal anal sphincterotomy should be adopted as procedure of choice for chronic anal fissure.