Ambulantná terapia 3/2008

MANAGEMENT OF ANAL FISSURE

Anal fissure is a painful condition that is caused by anodermal tearing. Anal fissure management has rapidly progressed in the last 15 years as our understanding of fissure pathophysiology has developed. All methods of treatment aim to reduce the anal sphincter spasm associated with chronic anal fissures. Lateral internal sphincterotomy remains the surgical treatment of choice for many practitioners. Recently, less invasive methods of treatment have been explored. It has been studied that nitric oxide causes relaxation of the smooth muscle of the anal canal. Topical nitroglycerin ointment preparations are therefore an efficacious alternative to surgery.

Keywords: anal fissure, sphincterotomy, nitroglycerin