[Internal lateral sphincterectomy. Results].

In January 1986 we initiated a prospective study in our center to evaluate the results of surgery in patients with anal fissure. Three groups were considered according to type of surgery: internal lateral sphincterotomy (ELI), lateral sphincterotomy and resection of cutaneous fibroma (ELI + FC), and sphincterotomy with hemorrhoidectomy (E + H). The basic objective was to evaluate postoperative pain, days of hospitalization and out-patient follow-up, complications and number of recurrences. Postoperative pain occurred in 12% of internal lateral sphincterotomies, in 42% of lateral sphincterotomies with resection of cutaneous fibroma in 50% of sphincterotomies with hemorrhoidectomy, as measured by the number of patients who requested analgesics. The hospital stay was similar in the first two groups (96 and 90% less than 24 hours) and longer in the third (50% greater than 24 hours). Out-patient follow-up was limited to one visit in 90% of internal lateral sphincterotomies, while 85% of internal lateral sphincterotomies + fibroma resection required more than two visits and 100% of sphincterotomies with hemorrhoidectomy needed three or more. Nine percent of those operated had mild complications like low fever, ecchymoses, fistula or wound infection. No patient presented incontinence or recurrence of the fissure. We conclude that internal lateral sphincterotomy is an ideal procedure for the treatment of anal fissure and, if possible, additional surgery should be avoided, however insignificant it may appear.