Sphincterotomy in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is a sphincterotomy?
Lateral internal sphincterotomy refers to a type of surgery used for the treatment of anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small rip in the tissue lining one's anus and is typically accompanied by bleeding and pain when passing stool. The internal sphincter muscle within the anus is constantly under tension, but elevated pressure has been known to cause anal fissures and can prevent a current fissure from healing. If you are in need of a sphincterotomy in Arkansas, our team can help. Reach out to GI Alliance of Arkansas to request an appointment with one of our gastroenterology providers to learn more about this treatment option.
Who should get a spincterotomy?
A sphincterotomy may be recommended for patients whose anal fissures have not been relieved by more conservative treatments. Anal fissures are responsible for several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
The majority of anal fissures will likely resolve without intervention or with the aid of home treatments. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is justified in cases where traditional treatment measures cannot successfully heal the fissure.
How is a sphinceterotomy performed?
A sphincterotomy is conducted by our Arkansas GI providers as an outpatient procedure with either general or local anesthesia. Your gastroenterologist will make a small incision within the internal anal sphincter. This incision in the muscle lowers the pressure, thereby allowing the fissure to close. The incision is either stitched with dissolvable stitches or may be allowed to remain open to heal naturally. As is the case for any surgery, lateral internal sphincterotomy could come with its own risks and complications, such as incontinence of gas or stool, pain, bleeding, infection at the location of the incision, and difficulty with passing urine. We encourage you to have a conversation regarding all the benefits as well as risks related to this procedure with your GI Alliance of Arkansas gastroenterologist.
Healing for anal fissures
Anal fissures commonly close without the need for medical support. However, in the event that you have an anal fissure that does not seem to be healing and is not responding to the more conservative methods, then a sphincterotomy might be an option that could help you. Should you have other questions in relation to the lateral internal sphincterotomy or any alternative treatment method for anal fissures, please call a GI Alliance of Arkansas provider. As a board-certified team of gastroenterologists, GI Alliance of Arkansas strives to provide patient-focused care for gastroenterology concerns such as anal fissures. If you are seeking a provider who specializes in sphincterotomies in Arkansas, please request a consultation with us today.
Sphincterotomy FAQs
How effective is a sphincterotomy for treating anal fissures?
A sphincterotomy is extremely effective in addressing chronic anal fissures, with success rates often exceeding 90%. This surgical approach alleviates pain and facilitates healing by decreasing tension in the anal sphincter, thus improving blood flow to the area affected by the fissure. The majority of patients report substantial relief from symptoms and a swift improvement in their condition after undergoing this procedure, proving it to be a dependable solution for those who have not seen results from nonsurgical treatments.
Is hospitalization required after undergoing a sphincterotomy?
A sphincterotomy is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, eliminating the need for an overnight hospital stay. Patients are typically able to return home the same day once the sedative effects have subsided. Your GI specialist will give you specific post-operative instructions tailored to your particular situation and the complexity of the surgery. Recovery is generally manageable at home, with most people able to get back to their normal activities within a few days, though complete healing may take several weeks.
What kind of pain management should I expect after a sphincterotomy?
Managing pain effectively is a critical component of the recovery process following a sphincterotomy. To control any discomfort, your GI specialist will likely prescribe pain medication. Sitz baths, which involve sitting in warm water to soothe the perineal area, are also frequently recommended to help ease pain and aid the healing process. It is vital to adhere to your GI specialist's recommendations for pain management to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery period.
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