This page will give you information about a lateral internal sphincterotomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
The Procedure
What are the Benefits of Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy?
Surgery should help the anal fissure to heal but is usually recommended if the fissure has not healed with non-surgical treatments.
Are There any Alternatives to Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy?
There are simple treatments which may help such as laxatives, ointments, injections of Botox, increasing the amount of fibre in your diet and drinking plenty of fluid.
What Does the Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy Involve?
Sphincterotomy simply means dividing the sphincter. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 15 minutes.
Your surgeon will make a small cut on the skin near your back passage. They will cut the lower part of the internal sphincter muscle. This will relieve the spasm in the sphincter, allowing a better blood supply to heal the fissure.
What Complications Can Happen?
General Complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Specific Complications
- Involuntarily passing wind or loose faeces
- Difficulty passing urine
- Permanent incontinence from your bowel
Following treatment
How Soon Will I Recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
The pain from the fissure should improve rapidly. You should be able to return to work after a few days, depending on your type of work.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities.
The fissure can come back.
Consultants and Clinic Times
