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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jun 1997
Topics: Fissure in Ano; Humans; Nitroglycerin; Ointments
PubMed: 9193283
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.314.7095.1638 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2018Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are common and associated with reduced quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is frequently carried out but carries a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are common and associated with reduced quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is frequently carried out but carries a significant risk of anal incontinence. Anal advancement flap (AAF) has been advocated as an alternative, 'sphincter-preserving' procedure. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of both techniques in the treatment of CAF.
METHODS
The online databases of PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to January 2017. All studies that investigated and reported outcomes of LIS and AAF for treatment of CAF were included. The primary outcome measure was anal incontinence while secondary outcomes included unhealed fissure and wound complication rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates.
RESULTS
Four studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective studies) describing 300 patients (150 LIS, 150 AAF) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. There was significant clinical heterogeneity among the trials. On random effects analysis, AAF was associated with a significantly lower rate of anal incontinence compared to LIS (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.36, p = .002). However, there were no statistically significant differences in unhealed fissure (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 0.25 to 19.33, p = .47) or wound complication rates (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.50 to 4.99 p = .51) between AAF and LIS.
CONCLUSIONS
AAF is associated with less incontinence, but similar wound complications as well as a similar rate of unhealed fissures compared to LIS. However, further well-executed, multi-centre randomized trials are required to provide stronger evidence.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Chronic Disease; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy; Male; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29233787
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.12.002 -
Journal of Visceral Surgery Apr 2015Anal fissure is an ulceration of the anoderm in the anal canal. Its pathogenesis is due to multiple factors: mechanical trauma, sphincter spasm, and ischemia. Treatment... (Review)
Review
Anal fissure is an ulceration of the anoderm in the anal canal. Its pathogenesis is due to multiple factors: mechanical trauma, sphincter spasm, and ischemia. Treatment must address these causative factors. While American and British scientific societies have published recommendations, there is no formal treatment consensus in France. Medical treatment is non-specific, aimed at softening the stool and facilitating regular bowel movements; this results in healing of almost 50% of acute anal fissures. The risk of recurrent fissure remains high if the causative factors persist. If non-specific medical treatment fails, specific medical treatment can be offered to reversibly decrease hypertonic sphincter spasm. Surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment and should be offered for cases of chronic or complicated anal fissure but also for acute anal fissure with severe pain or for recurrent fissure despite optimal medical treatment. Surgical treatment is based on two principles that may be combined: decreasing sphincter tone and excision of the anal fissure. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is the best-evaluated technique and remains the gold standard in English-speaking countries. Since LIS is associated with some risk of irreversible anal incontinence, its use is controversial in France where fissurectomy combined with anoplasty is preferred. Other techniques have been described to reduce the risk of incontinence (calibrated sphincterotomy, sphincteroplasty). The technique of forcible uncalibrated anal dilatation is no longer recommended.
Topics: Anal Canal; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Dilatation; Evidence-Based Medicine; Fecal Incontinence; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 25305752
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2014.07.007 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Mar 2024Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient's quality of life, including their mental health. It can be one of the most difficult...
Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient's quality of life, including their mental health. It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat. Patients often delay seeking medical attention, since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation. Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes, such as anorectal diseases, cancer (anal or colorectal), dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases, fungal infections and systemic diseases. If patients are referred for a colonoscopy, this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area. Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin, one of the most commonly used being the Washington classification. A proper digital anorectal examination is important, as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses. Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies, and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report. Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided. The treatment normally consists of a triple approach: proper hygiene, elimination of irritants, and skin care and protection. Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments, including steroids, capsaicin, tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.
PubMed: 38577644
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i3.112 -
Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery May 2007Anal fissure is a common problem, vexing to both patients and physicians. The historical mainstay of therapy has been some method of partial division of the internal...
Anal fissure is a common problem, vexing to both patients and physicians. The historical mainstay of therapy has been some method of partial division of the internal anal sphincter with the serious potential complication of fecal incontinence. Nonsurgical treatment methods were therefore pursued, producing healing rates less than that seen after surgical therapy but none of the morbidity of surgery. This article summarizes accepted methods of modern medical and surgical therapy for anal fissure and offers a rationale for treatment type selection.
PubMed: 20011388
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-977492 -
Turkish Journal of Surgery Dec 2020Surgical management of chronic anal fissure can result in permanent fecal incontinence. Topical treatments have a lower risk of severe complication and are less...
OBJECTIVES
Surgical management of chronic anal fissure can result in permanent fecal incontinence. Topical treatments have a lower risk of severe complication and are less expensive than surgical intervention. Rates of healing and compliance with topical agents vary in the reported literature. The aim of this study was to compare healing rates, incidence of headaches, and recurrence rates of chronic anal fissure in patients treated with topical diltiazem (DTZ) and topical glyceryl-trinitrate (GTN), with a view of identifying which agent should be used as first line non-operative therapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published since January 2000, comparing topical DTZ and GTN for treatment of chronic anal fissure were identified and compared. End points included healing rates, headache due to treatment, and late recurrence (>12 weeks). A random effects meta-analysis model was used to compare outcomes.
RESULTS
All studies used 2% DTZ and 0.2% or 0.5% GTN, and treatment was continued twice daily for between 6-12 weeks. Nine RCTs compared rates of healing with topical DTZ (n= 379) and GTN (n= 351), there was no difference between the two groups [RR 1.04 (0.93-1.16), p= 0.48]. Eight RCTs reviewed incidence of headaches, DTZ was better tolerated [RR 0.15 (0.07-0.34), p <0.00001]. Four RCTs reported late recurrence rates, DTZ was superior [RR 0.51 (0.27-0.96), p= 0.04].
CONCLUSION
Topical DTZ and GTN result in comparable healing rates; however, DTZ is superior with regards to headaches and late recurrence rates. DTZ should therefore be considered as first line non-operative treatment for chronic anal fissure.
PubMed: 33778393
DOI: 10.47717/turkjsurg.2020.4895 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Sep 2019pharmacological treatment of a chronic anal fissure (CAF) achieves healing in half of cases and lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is the definite treatment. The...
INTRODUCTION
pharmacological treatment of a chronic anal fissure (CAF) achieves healing in half of cases and lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is the definite treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the combination of fissurectomy and botulin toxin A (BTA) injection.
METHODS
this was a retrospective study of 54 patients with anal sphincter hypertonia and CAF treated with an injection of BAT and fissurectomy, after an unsuccessful management with topical nitroglycerin (NGT) for eight weeks. Fissurectomy and an injection of BTA (33 or 50 units) in the internal anal sphincter was performed during the same session. The main outcome measure was the healing rate, with incontinence and the need of LIS as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
two patients were excluded from the study, one due to Crohn's disease and the other was lost to follow-up. Of the 52 patients included in the study, there were 36 females (70%) and 16 (30%) males, with a mean age of 49 years (range 22-75). Fissure healing was initially achieved in 49 patients (94.2%) and LIS was required in the remaining three patients (5.8%). After initial healing, 18 patients (34.7%) developed 23 recurrences at a mean time of 27 months (5-83 months). Of these patients, healing with conservative sphincter measures was obtained in eleven cases (NGT in eight and repeat fissurectomy and BAT in three); two patients are currently under treatment with NGT and five underwent LIS.
CONCLUSIONS
BTA injection associated with fissurectomy is a safe and effective procedure in patients with CAF, avoiding the need of LIS in a high percentage of patients.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anal Canal; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Conservative Treatment; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuromuscular Agents; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Wound Healing; Young Adult
PubMed: 31333035
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2019.6202/2019 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Mar 2010Anal fissures are a common cause of anal pain during, and for 1 to 2 hours after, defecation. The cause is not fully understood, but low intake of dietary fibre may be a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anal fissures are a common cause of anal pain during, and for 1 to 2 hours after, defecation. The cause is not fully understood, but low intake of dietary fibre may be a risk factor.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of non-surgical treatments for chronic anal fissure? What are the effects of surgical treatments for chronic anal fissure? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to August 2009 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 28 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: anal advancement flap, anal stretch/dilation, botulinum A toxin-haemagglutinin complex alone or with nitrates, calcium channel blockers, internal anal sphincterotomy, and nitric oxide donors.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anal Canal; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroglycerin; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21718564
DOI: No ID Found -
Missouri Medicine 2020Anorectal conditions are one of the most common problems evaluated by primary care physicians. Most patients present with rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or purulent... (Review)
Review
Anorectal conditions are one of the most common problems evaluated by primary care physicians. Most patients present with rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or purulent drainage per rectum. Colorectal conditions have overlapping symptoms. Thorough history and careful anorectal examination can differentiate common anorectal conditions like hemorrhoids, anorectal abscesses, anal fistula, anal fissure, and anal condyloma. Most of these conditions can be diagnosed and treated without imaging.
Topics: Anus Diseases; Colorectal Surgery; Diagnosis, Differential; Fissure in Ano; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 32308242
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine Feb 2014Anorectal medical disorders facing the elderly include fecal incontinence, fecal impaction with overflow fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, dyssynergic... (Review)
Review
Anorectal medical disorders facing the elderly include fecal incontinence, fecal impaction with overflow fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, dyssynergic defecation, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and pelvic floor disorders. This article discusses the latest advances in age-related changes in morphology and function of anal sphincter, changes in cellular and molecular biology, alterations in neurotransmitters and reflexes, and their impact on functional changes of the anorectum in the elderly. These biophysiologic changes have implications for the pathophysiology of anorectal disorders. A clear understanding and working knowledge of the functional anatomy and pathophysiology will enable appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Anal Canal; Cellular Senescence; Colon; Constipation; Defecation; Disease Management; Fecal Incontinence; Gastrointestinal Motility; Humans; Neuromuscular Junction; Neuronal Plasticity; Synaptic Transmission
PubMed: 24267605
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2013.10.003