Surgical Anatomy of the Anal Canal
Layers, landmarks, and why posterior midline dominates
Fig 1. Schematic cross-section of the anal canal showing key anatomical layers and landmarks
| Structure | Notes |
|---|---|
| IAS Internal Anal Sphincter | Smooth muscle, involuntary; distal 2/3 of anal canal; forms the high-pressure zone. Target of LIS |
| EAS External Anal Sphincter | Skeletal muscle, voluntary; surrounds IAS; 3 parts: subcutaneous, superficial, deep |
| Dentate Line | Pectinate line at 1.5 cm from verge; divides visceral (above) from somatic (below) innervation |
| Intersphincteric Groove | Palpable groove between IAS & EAS; landmark for LIS incision placement |
| Anal Columns (Morgagni) | 8–14 vertical mucosal folds above dentate line; bases form anal crypts & papillae |
Approximately 90% of anal fissures occur in the posterior midline, with anterior fissures (10%) predominantly in females. This anatomical predilection is explained by:
- Vascular watershed area: The posterior commissure receives the poorest blood supply from the inferior rectal artery branches — making it vulnerable to ischaemia during spasm.
- Mechanical stress: The anterior-posterior elongation of the anal orifice concentrates the maximal shear force at the posterior commissure during defecation.
- IAS angulation: The puborectalis creates a forward pull, causing greater stretch posteriorly.
- Lack of subcutaneous support: The posterior sphincter complex has less subcutaneous fat cushioning compared to anterolateral portions.
The anal canal is supplied by the inferior rectal (haemorrhoidal) artery (branch of internal pudendal), the middle rectal artery (branch of internal iliac), and the superior rectal artery (continuation of inferior mesenteric).
Resting IAS pressure in chronic fissure patients is significantly elevated (~100 mmHg vs normal ~60–80 mmHg), causing relative ischaemia at the posterior commissure — impeding healing and perpetuating the fissure.
• Normal resting anal pressure: 60–80 mmHg
• Chronic fissure patients: 90–120 mmHg
• Threshold for mucosal ischaemia: ~80 mmHg
• LIS target: reduce pressure to <80 mmHg
Pathophysiology
The ischaemia-spasm vicious cycle and how LIS breaks it
(hard stool, constipation, straining, diarrhoea)
The RAIR is the involuntary relaxation of the IAS in response to rectal distension — mediated by the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus and NO/VIP neurotransmitters.
1. Rectal distension (stool/flatus)
2. Stretch receptors activated
3. Myenteric plexus mediates IAS relaxation
4. EAS voluntary contraction maintains continence
5. "Sampling" of rectal content at dentate line
6. Conscious decision to defer or defecate
- Baseline IAS tone pathologically elevated
- RAIR preserved but insufficient to overcome hypertonia
- Defecation-induced pain → vicious avoidance cycle
- Manometry: ultra-high resting pressure with poor relaxation
- Post-LIS: normalised resting pressure, preserved RAIR
| Mediator | Role | Therapeutic Target |
|---|---|---|
| Nitric Oxide (NO) | IAS relaxation | GTN 0.2% (NO donor) |
| Acetylcholine | IAS contraction | Diltiazem (Ca²⁺ blocker) |
| Noradrenaline | IAS contraction | — |
| VIP | IAS relaxation (RAIR) | — |
| Substance P | Pain sensitization | Improved by healing |
| Botulinum Toxin | Blocks ACh at NMJ | Chemical sphincterotomy |
Releases NO → relaxes IAS → ↓ resting pressure by 30–40% → improves ischaemic posterior mucosa
SE: Headache (25–30%), tachyphylaxis
Calcium channel blockade → smooth muscle relaxation of IAS → ↓ resting pressure
Fewer headaches than GTN; similar efficacy
Injected into IAS → blocks presynaptic ACh release → chemical sphincterotomy (3–6 months)
Reversible; 60–80% success; can repeat
Etiopathology
Causes, classical triad, and histopathological features
| Category | Specific Cause |
|---|---|
| Primary / Idiopathic | Constipation, hard stools, straining at defecation (most common) |
| Primary | Diarrhoea, explosive loose motions (especially infants) |
| Obstetric | Childbirth trauma, episiotomy → anterior fissures in females |
| Inflammatory | Crohn's disease → atypical, multiple, irregular fissures |
| Infectious | TB, HIV, syphilis, herpes, CMV |
| Neoplastic | Squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease |
| Iatrogenic | Post-haemorrhoidectomy, post-dilation |
| Haematological | Leukaemia, aplastic anaemia |
Indurated edges, pale/white base exposing horizontal IAS fibres. Typically posterior midline. >6 weeks duration.
Hypertrophied, oedematous skin tag at the distal end (anal verge). Represents chronic inflammation and lymphatic obstruction. Pathognomonic of chronicity.
Enlarged fibrous papilla at the proximal end (dentate line). Represents reactive hyperplasia from chronic irritation. Occasionally symptomatic (prolapse).
Chronic fissure histology reflects the combination of ischaemia, inflammation, and failed healing:
- Indurated, fibrotic edges: Dense collagen deposition; loss of normal epithelial architecture; failure of re-epithelialisation
- Exposed IAS fibres: The base shows horizontal striated smooth muscle fibres — pathognomonic of depth of involvement
- Chronic inflammatory infiltrate: Lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages in the base and edges; absence of acute neutrophilic response
- Fibrosis & scar formation: Obliterated capillary network; avascular scar tissue impeding healing
- Sentinel pile histology: Oedematous connective tissue, dilated lymphatics, chronic inflammatory cells, squamous epithelium
- Hypertrophied papilla: Fibrous core with squamous surface; occasionally dysplastic cells (rare)
| Feature | Acute (<6 wks) | Chronic (>6 wks) |
|---|---|---|
| Edges | Soft, fresh | Indurated, fibrotic |
| Base | Red, granulation | White IAS fibres visible |
| Sentinel pile | Absent | Present |
| Hyp. papilla | Absent | Present |
| Depth | Superficial | Deep to IAS |
| Healing tendency | Often spontaneous | Rarely spontaneous |
| Manometry | Mild ↑ pressure | Significantly ↑↑ pressure |
| Treatment | Conservative | Pharmacological / LIS |
Clinical Features
Symptoms, examination findings, and differential diagnosis
- Sharp, tearing, or burning pain during defecation
- "Knife-like" or "broken glass" character
- Characteristic pattern: Brief initial pain during stool → 30 min to hours of severe spasmodic pain → gradual subsidence
- Fear of defecation → constipation → perpetuating cycle
- Interferes with daily activities, sitting, walking
- Bright red blood on paper or surface of stool
- Usually small amount (streaks, not profuse)
- Distinct from haemorrhoidal bleeding (dripping)
- Blood does not mix with stool (vs colorectal cancer)
- Mucous or serous discharge from the fissure base
- Perianal pruritus and irritation
- Soiling of underwear; local hygiene difficulty
| Finding | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sentinel pile | Oedematous skin tag at anal verge (6 o'clock) | Confirms chronicity; pathognomonic |
| Visible fissure | Linear crack with indurated, pale edges; white IAS base | Diagnostic; depth indicates chronicity |
| Hyp. papilla | Enlarged internal tag visible/palpable proximal to fissure | Completes the triad |
| Anal spasm | Tight, hypercontracted anal orifice on gentle separation | Confirms IAS hypertonia |
| DRE | Often not possible due to severe pain and spasm; if done: tight anal canal | High IAS resting tone confirmed |
| Position | Lithotomy: 6 o'clock (posterior); 12 o'clock (anterior) | Midline location confirms primary fissure |
| Condition | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|
| Haemorrhoids | Painless or mild ache; prolapsing tissue; no linear crack; painless bleeding |
| Perianal abscess | Constant throbbing pain; swelling; fever; no linear fissure seen |
| Fistula in ano | Chronic discharge; external opening; probe-able tract; no crack |
| Crohn's fissure | Atypical/lateral/multiple; irregular edges; associated with Crohn's features; biopsy: granulomas |
| Anal TB | Multiple/irregular; pale granulation; biopsy: caseating granulomas; AFB positive |
| Anal SCC | Irregular, raised everted edges; not healing; biopsy mandatory |
| Syphilis (primary) | Painless ulcer; inguinal LN; VDRL positive; atypical location |
| Herpes simplex | Multiple vesicles/ulcers; herpetiform; acute pain; viral culture positive |
Treatment
Management algorithm — conservative to surgical
Typical location, soft edges
Dietary fibre, sitz baths, stool softeners, topical anaesthetic
→ Add GTN / Diltiazem
Complete triad present
GTN 0.2% or Diltiazem 2% (8 weeks)
→ Botulinum Toxin
Failed medical treatment | Recurrent fissure | Patient preference | Complete triad
| Treatment | Details | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| High-fibre diet | 20–30g fibre/day; 6–8 glasses water | Essential baseline |
| Sitz baths | Warm water 2–3× daily; relaxes IAS, improves blood flow | Symptom relief |
| Stool softeners | Ispaghula, lactulose, docusate sodium | Prevents recurrence |
| Topical anaesthetic | Lignocaine 5% gel before defecation | Pain relief only |
| Drug | Dose & Route | Efficacy | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTN 0.2% | Applied to anal margin TDS × 8 wks | 50–70% healing | Headache 25–30%, tachyphylaxis |
| Diltiazem 2% | Topical BD × 8 wks; or 60mg oral BD | 60–65% healing | Minimal; pruritus |
| Nifedipine 0.2% | Topical TDS | ~60% | Headache, palpitation |
| Botulinum Toxin A | 20–30 units each side of IAS | 60–80% | Temporary incontinence (1–5%) |
- Chronic fissure not responding to medical treatment after 8–12 weeks of adequate pharmacological therapy
- Complete triad present (ulcer + sentinel pile + hypertrophied papilla)
- Recurrent fissure after previous medical treatment
- Patient preference for definitive treatment (especially when occupation/lifestyle is affected)
- Fissure associated with symptomatic haemorrhoids requiring surgery
- Anal stenosis complicating chronic fissure
| Treatment | Healing Rate | Recurrence | Incontinence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative only | 40–50% | High | 0% |
| GTN topical | 50–70% | 30–50% | 0% |
| Diltiazem | 60–65% | 30–45% | 0% |
| Botulinum Toxin | 60–80% | 20–30% | 1–5% (transient) |
| LIS (Open) | 95–98% | 1–2% | 0.5–5% |
| LIS (Closed/blind) | 92–96% | 2–5% | 5–15% |
| Dr. Bhandari's Modified LIS | ~98% | <1% | 0% |
Surgical Technique
Dr. O.P. Bhandari's 11-step Modified Open Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy
- Complete history: duration, prior treatments, continence status
- Bidigital examination: assess IAS tone, fissure extent, presence of triad
- Rule out atypical features (biopsy if indicated)
- Exclude pre-existing incontinence (absolute contraindication)
- Proctoscopy when spasm allows — assess for haemorrhoids, polyps
- Routine blood work; fitness for anaesthesia (spinal preferred)
- Informed consent: risk of incontinence (transient, rare), recurrence, bleeding, infection
- Bowel prep: phosphate enema 2h pre-op (optional)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Lithotomy (preferred) — full access, assistant access, video view |
| Anaesthesia | Spinal (preferred) or GA; local infiltration at incision site |
| Instruments | Proctoscope, Park's retractor, small Langenbeck's, fine artery forceps, size 15 blade, fine scissors, 3-0 Vicryl |
| Side of LIS | Left lateral (3 o'clock) — away from fissure (6 o'clock) |
| Lighting | Headlight + video camera for teaching |
| Complication | Rate | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Incontinence (flatus) | 0–3% | Conservative; usually resolves 6–8 weeks; biofeedback |
| Incontinence (solid/liquid) | <1% | Rare; sphincter repair if persistent |
| Haemorrhage | 1–2% | Haemostasis; return to OT if pulsatile |
| Infection/abscess | <1% | Drainage; antibiotics; wound care |
| Fissure recurrence | 1–3% | Re-assess; repeat LIS or extension |
| Fistula formation | <0.5% | Fistulotomy when tract defined |
Outcomes & Results
Dr. Bhandari's personal series vs published literature
| Outcome Measure | Dr. Bhandari's Series |
|---|---|
| Total patients | 153 |
| Male : Female | ~2:1 |
| Mean age | 35–45 years |
| Posterior fissures | ~90% |
| Complete triad present | ~85% |
| Prior conservative treatment failed | 100% |
| Anaesthesia used | Spinal (majority) |
| Day case / next-day discharge | ~95% |
| Healing at 6 weeks | ~98% |
| Pain-free at 1 week | ~90% |
| Incontinence (any grade) | 0 / 153 (0%) |
| Recurrence (follow-up 1–8 years) | <1% |
| Re-operation required | <1% |
| Histopathology (sentinel pile/papilla) | All benign; no malignancy |
| Study / Series | Healing | Recurrence | Incontinence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bhandari (Modified Open LIS) | ~98% | <1% | 0% |
| Hananel & Gordon (1997) — Open LIS | 97% | 2% | 0–3% |
| Littlejohn & Newstead — Closed LIS | 94% | 4% | 5–12% |
| Khubchandani & Reed — Closed LIS | 95% | 3% | 8–30% |
| Botulinum Toxin (meta-analysis) | 70% | 20% | 1–5% (transient) |
| GTN 0.2% (meta-analysis) | 58% | 30–50% | 0% |
| Diltiazem (meta-analysis) | 63% | 30–45% | 0% |
- Surgery is day-case / 1-night stay; return to normal activity in 3–5 days
- Expect some discomfort for 1–2 weeks; significantly less than pre-operative fissure pain
- Pain-free defecation typically within 1 week post-operatively
- Maintain high-fibre diet and hydration lifelong to prevent constipation recurrence
- Sitz baths twice daily for 4 weeks; keep area clean and dry
- Wound typically heals within 4–8 weeks; follow-up at 2 and 6 weeks
- Incontinence risk is extremely low (<1%) with proper technique; temporary if occurs
- Recurrence rare (<1%); maintain bowel habits to prevent
Videos, Certificates & Resources
Operative videos, awards, and contact
Dr. Om Prakash Bhandari — Official YouTube Channel
Full channel with surgical demonstrations, patient education content, and CME videos on colorectal procedures including Modified Open LIS for Chronic Fissure in Ano.
Operative Video 1 — Modified Open LIS
Step-by-step operative demonstration of the 11-step Modified Open Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy. Bidigital assessment, intersphincteric dissection, IAS delivery, measured division, and mucosal flap technique clearly demonstrated.
Operative Video 2 — Bidigital Assessment & Technique
Advanced video covering the bidigital assessment technique, how to handle intraoperative bleeding, special situations (anal stenosis, concurrent haemorrhoids), and post-operative care instructions.
ACRSICON 2024 — Certificate I
Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons of India Annual Conference 2024. Recognition for presentation / contribution in the field of colorectal surgery. Dr. Bhandari's work on Modified Open LIS outcomes presented at this national platform.
ACRSICON 2024 — Certificate II
Second certification from ACRSICON 2024 for academic excellence and contributions to colorectal surgical education and research in India. Recognises the 8-year personal series data on chronic fissure outcomes.
Located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. For appointments, referrals, and surgical consultations for chronic fissure in ano and other colorectal conditions.
🗺️ Open on Google Maps- ⭐ Landmark Paper — Hoffmann DC & Goligher JC. Lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy in treatment of anal fissure. Br Med J. 1970;3(5724):673–675. PMID: 5470113
- Bennett RC & Goligher JC. Results of internal sphincterotomy for anal fissure. Br Med J. 1962;2(5318):1500–1503
- Watts JM, Bennett RC & Goligher JC. Stretching of anal sphincters in treatment of fissure-in-ano. Br Med J. 1964;2(5405):342–343
- Hananel N, Gordon PH. Re-examination of clinical manifestations and response to therapy of fissure-in-ano. Dis Colon Rectum. 1997;40:229–233
- Poh A, Tan KY, Seow-Choen F. Innovations in chronic anal fissure treatment: A systematic review. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2010
- Nelson RL, Thomas K, Morgan J, Jones A. Non-surgical therapy for anal fissure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012
- Mapel DW et al. The epidemiology and treatment of anal fissures in a population-based cohort. BMC Gastroenterol. 2014
- Mentes BB et al. Extent of lateral internal sphincterotomy: up to the dentate line or controlled? Dis Colon Rectum. 2011;54:837–842
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) — Practice Parameters for the Management of Anal Fissures. 2023
- Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSICON) — Guidelines 2024
Dr. O.P. Bhandari's Surgical Philosophy
"The open technique, with direct visualisation and bidigital assessment, removes the guesswork from sphincterotomy. When you can see what you are dividing, and confirm adequacy with your fingers, you achieve the perfect balance between efficacy and safety — a healed fissure and a continent patient."