Chronic anal fissure: 1994 and a decade later—are we doing better?

Background Debate exists regarding whether the use of topical agents and Botox injections are as efficacious as sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Methods A retrospective review was performed to assess changes in management and outcomes of chronic anal fissure care in a community based colorectal practice between the individual years 1994 and 2003. Results Forty-seven patients in 1994 underwent lateral partial internal sphincterotomy and had a 100% healing rate. Thirty-nine patients were treated in 2003, with 32 undergoing Botox injection and 7 undergoing sphincterotomy initially. Of the Botox patients, 35% had recurrence, and 7 subsequently required sphincterotomy. Ultimate healing rates in 2003 were 97%. Time to heal was markedly prolonged in 2003 compared with 1994. Complication rates were similar, and there was no lifestyle-altering incontinence. Conclusions Our review documents a significant change in the community approach to chronic fissure management. The addition of multiple treatment modalities prolongs time to healing from initial evaluation, but they allowed 72% of patients to avoid the need for permanent sphincter division while maintaining ultimate rates of healing.