Dermal flap coverage for chronic anal fissure: lower incidence of anal incontinence compared to lateral internal sphincterotomy after long-term follow-up

摘要

Purpose: Internal sphincterotomy is considered the standard for treating anal fissure, but it is associated with a risk of impaired anal continence. This study aimed to conduct a long-term follow-up to compare postoperative anal continence using dermal flap coverage or lateral internal sphincterotomy for treatment of chronic anal fissure. Patients and methods: Sixty patients with chronic anal fissure (male/female, 30:30; age range, 22-79 y) were treated by open lateral internal sphincterotomy (N = 30) or dermal flap coverage (N= 30) from 1997 to 2002. The postoperative course was evaluated using the clinical charts. A standardized questionnaire assessing complaints and anal continence was sent to the patients 70 to 94 months post-operatively and phone interviews were conducted.