📖 Surgical Chapter — Colorectal Surgery

Chronic Fissure in Ano

A comprehensive evidence-based chapter by
Dr. O.P. Bhandari
MBBS; MS (General Surgery); FAIS
Ex Professor of Surgery, PIMS Udaipur
Consultant — Dr. Bhandari Piles Hospital, Chittorgarh
Hon. Consultant — MP Birla Hospital, Chittorgarh

153
Cases Series
8
Years Experience
0%
Incontinence Rate
ACRSICON
2024 Certified
🫀

Surgical Anatomy of the Anal Canal

Layers, landmarks, and why posterior midline dominates

Anal Canal — Cross Section Posterior Midline (90% fissure site) Anterior (10% — ♀) External Anal Sphincter (EAS) Internal Anal Sphincter (IAS) Intersphincteric Groove Dentate Line (pectinate) Anal Columns (Morgagni) Anal Mucosa 3–4 cm

Fig 1. Schematic cross-section of the anal canal showing key anatomical layers and landmarks

🏗️ Anatomical Layers
Anal Canal Length: 3–4 cm from anal verge to anorectal junction (pelvic floor/puborectalis)
StructureNotes
IAS Internal Anal SphincterSmooth muscle, involuntary; distal 2/3 of anal canal; forms the high-pressure zone. Target of LIS
EAS External Anal SphincterSkeletal muscle, voluntary; surrounds IAS; 3 parts: subcutaneous, superficial, deep
Dentate LinePectinate line at 1.5 cm from verge; divides visceral (above) from somatic (below) innervation
Intersphincteric GroovePalpable 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
📍 Why Posterior Midline?

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.
⚠️ Atypical site fissures (lateral, multiple, or irregular) must raise suspicion for secondary causes: Crohn's disease, TB, HIV, syphilis, or malignancy → biopsy mandatory
🩸 Blood Supply & Why Ischaemia Matters

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.

Key Pressure Data:
• 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
Healing requires: Adequate perfusion → LIS reduces IAS tone → improves posterior commissure blood flow → enables wound healing

Pathophysiology

The ischaemia-spasm vicious cycle and how LIS breaks it

🔄 The Vicious Cycle of Chronic Fissure
💥 Precipitating Factor
(hard stool, constipation, straining, diarrhoea)
🔴 Mucosal Tear at Posterior Commissure
⚡ Pain → Reflex IAS Spasm
🩸 Elevated Resting Anal Pressure (↑↑ IAS tone)
💧 Reduced Posterior Commissure Blood Flow (Ischaemia)
🔁 Non-healing Wound → Chronic Fissure
↩️ Defecation Attempt → Pain Worsens → Cycle Continues
🎯 LIS breaks this cycle by dividing a portion of the IAS → reduces resting pressure → improves posterior blood flow → enables healing
🧠 Rectoanal Inhibitory Reflex (RAIR)

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.

Normal RAIR Sequence:
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
🔺 In Chronic Fissure
  • 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
⚗️ Mediators & Neurotransmitters
MediatorRoleTherapeutic Target
Nitric Oxide (NO)IAS relaxationGTN 0.2% (NO donor)
AcetylcholineIAS contractionDiltiazem (Ca²⁺ blocker)
NoradrenalineIAS contraction
VIPIAS relaxation (RAIR)
Substance PPain sensitizationImproved by healing
Botulinum ToxinBlocks ACh at NMJChemical sphincterotomy
💊 Pharmacological Basis of Conservative Treatment
GTN 0.2% Topical
Releases NO → relaxes IAS → ↓ resting pressure by 30–40% → improves ischaemic posterior mucosa
SE: Headache (25–30%), tachyphylaxis
Diltiazem 2% Topical / Oral
Calcium channel blockade → smooth muscle relaxation of IAS → ↓ resting pressure
Fewer headaches than GTN; similar efficacy
Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
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

⚙️ Aetiology
CategorySpecific Cause
Primary / IdiopathicConstipation, hard stools, straining at defecation (most common)
PrimaryDiarrhoea, explosive loose motions (especially infants)
ObstetricChildbirth trauma, episiotomy → anterior fissures in females
InflammatoryCrohn's disease → atypical, multiple, irregular fissures
InfectiousTB, HIV, syphilis, herpes, CMV
NeoplasticSquamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease
IatrogenicPost-haemorrhoidectomy, post-dilation
HaematologicalLeukaemia, aplastic anaemia
🔺 Classical TRIAD of Chronic Fissure in Ano
1️⃣
Chronic Ulcer (The Fissure)

Indurated edges, pale/white base exposing horizontal IAS fibres. Typically posterior midline. >6 weeks duration.

2️⃣
Sentinel Pile (External Tag)

Hypertrophied, oedematous skin tag at the distal end (anal verge). Represents chronic inflammation and lymphatic obstruction. Pathognomonic of chronicity.

3️⃣
Hypertrophied Anal Papilla (Internal Tag)

Enlarged fibrous papilla at the proximal end (dentate line). Represents reactive hyperplasia from chronic irritation. Occasionally symptomatic (prolapse).

Mnemonic: "UPS" — Ulcer + Pile (sentinel) + Spapilla (hypertrophied) = Complete chronic fissure triad
🔭 Histopathological Features

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)
⚠️ Biopsy indications: Atypical location (lateral), irregular/undermined edges, failure to respond to standard treatment, features of Crohn's/malignancy, multiple fissures, immunosuppressed patient
📈 Acute vs Chronic Fissure
FeatureAcute (<6 wks)Chronic (>6 wks)
EdgesSoft, freshIndurated, fibrotic
BaseRed, granulationWhite IAS fibres visible
Sentinel pileAbsentPresent
Hyp. papillaAbsentPresent
DepthSuperficialDeep to IAS
Healing tendencyOften spontaneousRarely spontaneous
ManometryMild ↑ pressureSignificantly ↑↑ pressure
TreatmentConservativePharmacological / LIS
🩺

Clinical Features

Symptoms, examination findings, and differential diagnosis

😣 The Symptom Triad
🔥 1. PAIN — The dominant symptom
  • 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
🩸 2. BLEEDING
  • 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)
😰 3. DISCHARGE / PRURITUS
  • Mucous or serous discharge from the fissure base
  • Perianal pruritus and irritation
  • Soiling of underwear; local hygiene difficulty
🔍 Examination Findings
FindingDescriptionSignificance
Sentinel pileOedematous skin tag at anal verge (6 o'clock)Confirms chronicity; pathognomonic
Visible fissureLinear crack with indurated, pale edges; white IAS baseDiagnostic; depth indicates chronicity
Hyp. papillaEnlarged internal tag visible/palpable proximal to fissureCompletes the triad
Anal spasmTight, hypercontracted anal orifice on gentle separationConfirms IAS hypertonia
DREOften not possible due to severe pain and spasm; if done: tight anal canalHigh IAS resting tone confirmed
PositionLithotomy: 6 o'clock (posterior); 12 o'clock (anterior)Midline location confirms primary fissure
Bidigital assessment (Dr. O.P. Bhandari's technique): Index finger of each hand placed at 3 & 9 o'clock positions on anal verge. Gentle lateral traction reveals fissure without causing excessive pain. Simultaneously assesses IAS tone and fissure extent.
💎
💎 Clinical Pearl — Dr. O.P. Bhandari

"Internal sphincter length and thickness must be assessed with bidigital palpation: index finger inside the anal canal, thumb at the intersphincteric groove. This guides the extent of safe sphincterotomy."

Bidigital Palpation IAS Length & Thickness Safe Sphincterotomy
⚖️ Differential Diagnosis
ConditionDistinguishing Features
HaemorrhoidsPainless or mild ache; prolapsing tissue; no linear crack; painless bleeding
Perianal abscessConstant throbbing pain; swelling; fever; no linear fissure seen
Fistula in anoChronic discharge; external opening; probe-able tract; no crack
Crohn's fissureAtypical/lateral/multiple; irregular edges; associated with Crohn's features; biopsy: granulomas
Anal TBMultiple/irregular; pale granulation; biopsy: caseating granulomas; AFB positive
Anal SCCIrregular, raised everted edges; not healing; biopsy mandatory
Syphilis (primary)Painless ulcer; inguinal LN; VDRL positive; atypical location
Herpes simplexMultiple vesicles/ulcers; herpetiform; acute pain; viral culture positive
🚩 Red Flag Features — Biopsy Mandatory
🔴
Lateral or anterior fissure in males — suspect Crohn's, TB, or malignancy
🔴
Multiple simultaneous fissures — Crohn's disease, HIV
🔴
Irregular, undermined or raised edges — squamous cell carcinoma
🔴
Failure to respond to adequate conservative treatment (12 weeks)
🔴
Profuse bleeding disproportionate to fissure size
🔴
Immunosuppressed patient — HIV, transplant, chemotherapy
💊

Treatment

Management algorithm — conservative to surgical

🗺️ Management Algorithm
📋 New Patient with Anal Fissure
🔍 History + Examination: Duration, Location, Triad, Atypical features?
Acute (<6 weeks)
Typical location, soft edges
💊 Conservative 1st Line:
Dietary fibre, sitz baths, stool softeners, topical anaesthetic
↓ 4 weeks
No response?
→ Add GTN / Diltiazem
🔴 Chronic (>6 weeks)
Complete triad present
💊 Pharmacological:
GTN 0.2% or Diltiazem 2% (8 weeks)
↓ 8 weeks
Persistent?
→ Botulinum Toxin
⚔️ SURGERY: Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS)
Failed medical treatment | Recurrent fissure | Patient preference | Complete triad
🌿 Conservative Management
TreatmentDetailsEfficacy
High-fibre diet20–30g fibre/day; 6–8 glasses waterEssential baseline
Sitz bathsWarm water 2–3× daily; relaxes IAS, improves blood flowSymptom relief
Stool softenersIspaghula, lactulose, docusate sodiumPrevents recurrence
Topical anaestheticLignocaine 5% gel before defecationPain relief only
💊 Pharmacological Treatment
DrugDose & RouteEfficacySide Effects
GTN 0.2%Applied to anal margin TDS × 8 wks50–70% healingHeadache 25–30%, tachyphylaxis
Diltiazem 2%Topical BD × 8 wks; or 60mg oral BD60–65% healingMinimal; pruritus
Nifedipine 0.2%Topical TDS~60%Headache, palpitation
Botulinum Toxin A20–30 units each side of IAS60–80%Temporary incontinence (1–5%)
⚔️ Indications for Surgery (LIS)
  • 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
Contraindications to LIS: Pre-existing incontinence, Crohn's disease, previous sphincter injury/surgery, low IAS pressure on manometry, atypical fissure pending biopsy
📊 Comparison of Treatment Options
TreatmentHealing RateRecurrenceIncontinence
Conservative only40–50%High0%
GTN topical50–70%30–50%0%
Diltiazem60–65%30–45%0%
Botulinum Toxin60–80%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

🎯 Principle: Divide a precise, measured portion of the distal IAS (not more than the depth of the fissure, not crossing the dentate line) to reduce resting pressure below the ischaemic threshold while preserving continence. Bidigital assessment guides extent of division.
💎
💎 Clinical Pearl — Dr. O.P. Bhandari

"Internal sphincter length and thickness must be assessed with bidigital palpation: index finger inside the anal canal, thumb at the intersphincteric groove. This guides the extent of safe sphincterotomy."

Bidigital Palpation IAS Length & Thickness Safe Sphincterotomy Index Finger Inside Canal Thumb at Intersphincteric Groove
🩺 Pre-operative Assessment
  • 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)
🛏️ Setup & Positioning
ParameterDetails
PositionLithotomy (preferred) — full access, assistant access, video view
AnaesthesiaSpinal (preferred) or GA; local infiltration at incision site
InstrumentsProctoscope, Park's retractor, small Langenbeck's, fine artery forceps, size 15 blade, fine scissors, 3-0 Vicryl
Side of LISLeft lateral (3 o'clock) — away from fissure (6 o'clock)
LightingHeadlight + video camera for teaching
📋 The 11-Step Modified Open LIS
1
Bidigital Assessment Index finger of each hand at 3 & 9 o'clock. Measure IAS tone. Assess fissure depth. Define extent of sphincterotomy required. This assessment is repeated after division to confirm adequacy.
2
Sentinel Pile Excision If symptomatic or large, excise the sentinel skin tag. This unroofs the distal fissure and allows clear visualisation of the IAS. Sent for histopathology.
3
Intersphincteric Groove Identification Palpate the groove at 3 o'clock position (left lateral). This is the anatomical plane between IAS (inner) and EAS (outer) — the safest approach corridor.
4
Radial Incision A 0.5–1.0 cm radial incision at 3 o'clock in the intersphincteric groove using size 15 blade. Incision through skin only — not into muscle at this stage.
5
Intersphincteric Dissection Fine artery forceps gently dissect in the intersphincteric plane. The white, shiny IAS is identified and separated from the overlying anoderm/mucosa. This is the key step — stay in the correct plane.
6
IAS Delivery / Herniation Gently deliver (herniate) the IAS through the incision using forceps. The white, firm, circular muscle bundles of the IAS are now clearly visible. Direct visualisation is the hallmark of the OPEN technique — prevents over-division or injury to EAS.
7
Measured Division of IAS Using fine scissors or electrocautery, divide the IAS precisely to the level of the dentate line — not above it. The extent equals the fissure depth. Division is confirmed by visibly seeing the cut edges spring apart. Bidigital check confirms adequate relaxation.
8
Haemostasis Meticulous haemostasis with bipolar cautery or ligature. The critical vessel is a small branch of the inferior rectal artery at the IAS cut edge — secure this to prevent delayed haemorrhage.
9
Hypertrophied Papilla Excision Excise the internal hypertrophied papilla if present and symptomatic. Avoids future prolapse symptoms. Sent for histopathology. This completes resolution of all three components of the triad.
10
Upper Mucosal Flap Mobilisation (if fissure is wide enough) If the fissure is wide enough, the upper mucosal flap is mobilised and sutured to the anoderm at the anal verge using 3-0 Vicryl mattress sutures. This advances healthy vascularised mucosa over the fissure base, accelerates healing, and reduces the risk of delayed wound breakdown or stenosis.
11
Wound Closure & Post-op Care LIS wound left open or loosely closed with 3-0 Vicryl. Fissure site curettage of unhealthy granulation tissue (optional). Dressing. Sitz baths from day 1. Discharge same or next day. Stool softeners for 4 weeks.
🛑 Special Situations
Anal Stenosis with Fissure: Perform LIS + ano-cutaneous advancement flap if stenosis is significant. The V-Y or house flap advances skin to widen the anal canal simultaneously.
Intraoperative Bleeding: Usually from inferior rectal artery branches. Apply direct pressure → bipolar coagulation → suture ligation if needed. Never use blind packing in the intersphincteric space.
Fissure with Haemorrhoids: Perform LIS first → assess haemorrhoidal plexus → selective haemorrhoidectomy if Grade III-IV haemorrhoids present. Avoid extensive dissection in one sitting.
⚠️ Complication Management
ComplicationRateManagement
Incontinence (flatus)0–3%Conservative; usually resolves 6–8 weeks; biofeedback
Incontinence (solid/liquid)<1%Rare; sphincter repair if persistent
Haemorrhage1–2%Haemostasis; return to OT if pulsatile
Infection/abscess<1%Drainage; antibiotics; wound care
Fissure recurrence1–3%Re-assess; repeat LIS or extension
Fistula formation<0.5%Fistulotomy when tract defined
Dr. Bhandari's series: 153 cases, 8 years — 0% incontinence, attributed to direct visualisation of IAS, measured division, bidigital assessment, and avoiding dentate line crossing.
📊

Outcomes & Results

Dr. Bhandari's personal series vs published literature

153
Total Cases in Series
8
years
Duration of Series
0%
Incontinence Rate
~98%
Healing Rate
<1%
Recurrence Rate
Day 1
Discharge (most patients)
📈 Series Outcomes in Detail
Outcome MeasureDr. Bhandari's Series
Total patients153
Male : Female~2:1
Mean age35–45 years
Posterior fissures~90%
Complete triad present~85%
Prior conservative treatment failed100%
Anaesthesia usedSpinal (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
📚 Comparison with Published Literature
Study / SeriesHealingRecurrenceIncontinence
Dr. Bhandari (Modified Open LIS)~98%<1%0%
Hananel & Gordon (1997) — Open LIS97%2%0–3%
Littlejohn & Newstead — Closed LIS94%4%5–12%
Khubchandani & Reed — Closed LIS95%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%
Key differentiator: The 0% incontinence rate in Dr. Bhandari's series vs 5–30% in closed LIS series is attributed to the direct visualisation, measured division, and bidigital assessment of the open technique — preventing inadvertent EAS injury.
🗣️ Patient Counselling Points
  • 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

🏆 Awards & Certifications
🥇

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 2024National Conference
🎖️

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.

ACRSICON 2024Academic Excellence
📍 Location & Contact
📌 Dr. Bhandari Piles Hospital, Chittorgarh

Located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. For appointments, referrals, and surgical consultations for chronic fissure in ano and other colorectal conditions.

🗺️ Open on Google Maps
👨‍⚕️ Name: Dr. O.P. Bhandari
🎓 Qualifications: MBBS; MS (General Surgery); FAIS
🏫 Ex Professor of Surgery: PIMS Udaipur
🏥 Consultant: Dr. Bhandari Piles Hospital, Chittorgarh
🏥 Hon. Consultant: MP Birla Hospital, Chittorgarh
📅 Experience: 8+ years, 153+ LIS cases
🏆 Recognition: ACRSICON 2024 × 2
📞 Mobile: 8764001124  |  9461521485
☎️ Clinic: 01472 241544
▶️ YouTube: @DrOmPrakashBHANDARI
📖 Further Reading & References
  • ⭐ 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."

Modified Open LIS0% Incontinence~98% HealingACRSICON 2024