Sphincterotomy

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Lateral internal sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat anal fissures. An anal fissure is a tear in the tissue lining the anus, and is associated with pain and bleeding during bowel movements. The internal anal sphincter muscle is always under tension, but increased pressure can lead to the development of anal fissures or prevent an existing fissure from healing. If your physician has recommended a sphincterotomy, then speak to a GI Alliance gastroenterologist to have all your questions answered.

This procedure is performed on patients with anal fissures. The symptoms of anal fissure can include:

  • Pain during bowel movements
  • Itching
  • Bleeding

Some anal fissures may be able to heal on their own or with home treatments. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is indicated when conservative treatment measures fail to heal the fissure.

The sphincterotomy is performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. Your doctor makes a small incision in the internal anal sphincter. The incision in the muscle reduces the pressure, allowing the fissure to heal. The incision is either stitched with dissolvable stitches or is left open to heal naturally. As with any procedure, lateral internal sphincterotomy may involve certain risks and complications such as incontinence of gas or stool, pain, bleeding, infection at the incision site, and difficulty passing urine. Please discuss all the risks and benefits of this procedure with your GI Alliance provider.

Anal fissures can heal on their own, but if you have an anal fissure that is not healing and is not responding to more conservative treatment efforts then a sphincterotomy may be able to help you. If you have additional questions about the sphincterotomy or any other treatment method for anal fissures, please contact your GI Alliance physician. As the nation's leading physician-led network of gastroenterologists, GI Alliance aims to provide patient-centric care for GI tract conditions like anal fissures. To learn more about the sphincterotomy process, please contact a GI Alliance location near you.

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Dr K was very kind and informative. The staff in the surgical area were fantastic. Made me feel at ease even got a pat on my hand that I haven’t had in decades.

J.R. Google

i had a consultation today with Dr. Nayan Patel, D.O. The office staff is very friendly and efficient. Dr. Patel was extremely nice and explained the diagnostic procedure and answered all my questions patiently. The office has close parking to the entrance. It was a very enjoyable experience, I highly recommend Dr. Patel and his office staff.

S.H. Google

Dr. Stassen is very patient at explaining the procedure before and after. I like that he takes his time with patients and I never feel rushed. He answers questions I have and he genuinely cares. Will definitely refer him to friends and family!! Thank you.

A.H. Google

Dr. Singh has excellent bedside manner, not rushed, and thorough. Would refer family and friends!

S.T. Google

Dr. Sai is very compassionate and kind, showing a true interest in my well-being and a great attention to detail/care. Having gotten test results the day off, I received a call personally from him explaining my results and alleviating my worries. Dr. Sai truly cares about his patients!

A.D. Google

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4.9

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