Endoscopic anal dilatation for fissure-in-ano: a new outpatient treatment modality

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 1996 Apr;88(4):265-72.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

We describe a new therapeutic procedure for fissure-in-ano, endoscopic anal dilatation. Anal dilatation is performed with a two-valved anoscope under local anesthesia in an ambulatory setting. We report our results using this technique in 62 patients after a mean follow-up of 19 months (range: 12-24 months). Thirty days after the procedure, 55 patients (93%) were symptom-free, whereas 3 of them (4.8%) failed to improve. After nineteen months, one patient out of 47 in follow-up had a recurrence. No bleeding, discharge or defects of continence, either transient or permanent, were noted. The results of endoscopic anal dilatation are comparable with those of lateral sphincterotomy, can be achieved at a lower complication rate, with only minor and temporary complications, and performed by physicians with no specific surgical training.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anal Canal*
  • Dilatation* / adverse effects
  • Endoscopy*
  • Female
  • Fissure in Ano / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients
  • Time Factors