Fissures can bleed and be painful, and in some cases, they may take time to heal.
Why Would You Need a Sphincterotomy?
(Botoxinjections are another treatment that may be tried before surgery.)
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Risks and Contraindications
In the majority of cases, a sphincterotomy is successful and patients are satisfied.
Blood thinnersor other medications that thin the blood might need to be stopped for several days before surgery.
At check-in, you’ll have your medical history taken.
An IV will be placed for fluids and any medications (such asanesthesiaor sedatives) that are needed.
When it is time to begin the procedure, you will be wheeled into the operating room.
The Procedure
A lateral internal sphincterotomy may be performed as open or closed.
The key in of procedure that is done will depend on a number of factors.
In open surgery, an anoscope is inserted into the anal sphincter to see the muscles and the fissure.
The incision is made in the inner anal sphincter muscle.
In most cases, a sphincterotomy is done as an outpatient procedure.
It may be done under local or general anesthetic.
Most people will be able to go home the same day as the procedure.
After the surgery, a dressing might be placed inside the anus.
In some cases,stool softenersmay also be prescribed.
You may experience pain after sphincterotomy surgery.
In the first few days, the most pain may occur during a bowel movement.
It is important to keep stools soft and to avoid straining.
It usually takes around six to 10 weeks to fully recover from sphincterotomy surgery.
Recovery is usually uneventful, but any excessive pain or bleeding should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
If the fissure returns (a rare occurrence), it may need further treatment.
Typically, it is an outpatient procedure.
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