Efficacy of diltiazem 2% rectal gel in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness and safety of a magistral formulation of diltiazem 2% rectal gel as a treatment for chronic anal fissure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all patients that began treatment with diltiazem 2% gel during 2019. The primary endpoint of the study was anal fissure healing. We also looked for differences in effectiveness between those initiating treatment and those who had been previously treated, long-term effectiveness through a 2-year follow-up and frequency of adverse effects. RESULTS: Of the 166 patients included in the study, anal fissure healed in 72.9%. We detected adverse effects in 12 patients, the most common was local irritation. After 2 years of follow-up, 88% of patients did not relapse. CONCLUSION: In this study, use of topical diltiazem 2% has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of anal fissure and should be considered as the first line of therapy.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la efectividad y la seguridad de una fórmula magistral de diltiazem 2% gel rectal, como tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un studio observacional retrospectivo de todos los pacientes que comenzaron a ser tratados con diltiazem 2% gel durante el año 2019. La variable principal del estudio fue la cicatrización de la fisura anal. También se buscaron diferencias de efectividad entre aquellos que iniciaban el tratamiento y los que ya habían sido tratados previamente, efectividad a largo plazo mediante un seguimiento de 2 años y frecuencia de aparición de efectos adversos. RESULTADOS: De los 166 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, el 72,9% cicatrizaron la fisura anal. No detectamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas de efectividad entre los pacientes naive y aquellos que ya habían sido tratados. Detectamos efectos adversos en 12 pacientes, siendo el más frecuente la irritación local. Tras 2 años de seguimiento, el 88% de los pacientes no presentaron ninguna recaída. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio, el uso de diltiazem 2% tópico ha mostrado ser efectivo y seguro en el tratamiento de la fisura anal y debería considerarse como primera línea terapéutica.

Presentaciones de la sífilis anorrectal: la gran simuladora / Anorectal syphilis presentations: the great pretender

Antecedentes: La sífilis es una infección sexualmente transmisible sistémica crónica que afecta a docenas de millones de personas al año. A nivel anorrectal, su manifestación polimórfica obliga al diagnóstico diferencial con enfermedades anorrectales benignas y malignas. Objetivo: Describir las diferentes presentaciones de la sífilis anorrectal a propósito de 5 casos clínicos. Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes fueron VIH positivos en edad sexual activa. Las manifestaciones registradas, al igual que las reportadas en la bibliografía fueron las fisuras, úlceras perianales y pseudotumores. Conclusiones: La sífilis es considerada "la gran simuladora". En la localización anorrectal se requiere una alta sospecha diagnóstica para diferenciarla de presentaciones similares de otras enfermedades anales benignas, la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y el cáncer anorrectal, con el fin de evitar el consiguiente riesgo de sobretratamiento. (AU)

Background: Syphilis is a chronic systemic sexually transmitted infection that affects tens of millions of people annually. At the anorectal level, its polymorphic manifestation requires differential diagnosis with benign and malignant anorectal diseases. Objective: To review the presentation of anorectal syphilis from 5 clinical cases. Methods: Observational, retrospective, descriptive study. Results: Most of the patients were HIV positive in sexually active age. The manifestations recorded and reported in the literature were fissures, perianal ulcers, and pseudotumors. Conclusions: Syphilis is considered "the great pretender". In anorectal syphilis, a high diagnostic suspicion is needed to differentiate it from similar presentations due to other anal conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and anorectal cancer, to avoid the consequent risk of overtreatment. (AU)

Anal fissures: An update on treatment options.

BACKGROUND: Anal fissure (AF) is the second most common anorectal complaint in healthcare settings. The presentation might be acute or chronic, characterised by severe pain with defaecation that persists for one to two hours. Non-surgical and surgical interventions are available based on the severity and persistence of the fissure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of AF under current guidelines. DISCUSSION: The aetiology of AF is unclear, although it is commonly associated with local trauma or associated chronic conditions. Acute AF is first treated with conservative therapy, including dietary fibre and sitz baths. Addition of topical nitrates, topical calcium channel blockers or botulinum toxin injection is indicated with failure of conservative treatment or at medical discretion. Surgical options are considered if AF persists despite treatment. Most present as hypertonic, but special consideration is needed for hypotonic or secondary presentations.

Rectal Bleeding in Infants: Diagnostic Work-up and Management.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is an alarming symptom in pediatrics, especially in infancy. However, it is commonly secondary to benign and self-limiting conditions, such as anal fissures, infections, and allergies; more rarely it is caused by more serious disorders, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, very early onset inflammatory bowel diseases, and vascular malformations. The present review aims at summarizing the different clinical conditions presenting with rectal bleeding in infancy and provides an evidence-based diagnostic work-up for the clinical management of patients with this occurrence.

Trends in Management of Anal Fissures.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how patients with anal fissures are treated in real-world settings, particularly since patients may not see colorectal surgeons. This study describes trends in treatment with medical therapies (calcium-channel blockers [CCBs], nitroglycerin [NTG], and narcotics) and surgical treatments. METHODS: Cohorts were created within the TriNetX database platform using codes for anal fissures and surgical interventions. Demographics were compared between patients that received surgical intervention within 1 year of diagnosis, CCB or NTG within 1 year (or preoperatively), or narcotics within 30 days or postoperatively vs those who did not. RESULTS: 121,213 patients were included of which 4.0% had surgical intervention. Factors associated with surgical intervention were male sex (OR 1.40), White race (OR 1.17), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.11). Male patients were more likely to undergo sphincterotomy (OR 1.49). Female (OR 1.27), non-Hispanic (OR 1.34), and White patients (OR 1.41) were more likely to have chemodenervation. Regarding nonoperatively managed patients, non-Hispanic (OR .91) and White patients (OR .89) were less likely to receive CCB/NTG. Male (OR 1.21), non-Hispanic (OR 1.08), and Black patients (OR 1.20) were more likely to receive narcotics. Male patients that required surgery were more likely to be prescribed CCB/NTG preoperatively (OR 1.27). Non-Hispanic surgical patients were more likely to receive narcotics (OR 1.84). DISCUSSION: Male fissure patients were more likely to undergo surgical intervention other than chemodenervation. Differences in the rates of surgery and medical therapy (especially narcotics) between races and ethnicities require exploration to enhance the care of patients with anal fissures.

Efectividad del tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas y leucocitos en la fisura anal secundaria / Effectiveness of Treating Secondary Anal Fissure with Platelet and Leukocyte-Rich Plasma

Introducción: El plasma rico en plaquetas es un producto derivado de la sangre, rico en péptidos y proteínas de señalización intercelular, así como citoquinas capaces de intervenir en cada una de las etapas de la regeneración de varios tejidos. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas y leucocitos en pacientes con fisura anal secundaria que asistieron a la consulta de Coloproctología del Hospital Docente Provincial Oncológico María Curie de Camagüey en el período de enero de 2020 a enero de 2023. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental. El universo lo conformaron todos los pacientes que acudieron a consulta en ese período. La muestra no probabilística intencionada la conformaron 130 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de fisura anal secundaria que recibieron tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas y leucocitos. Resultados: El tiempo de cicatrización de la fisura anal permitió corroborar la efectividad del tratamiento; además, la mayoría de los pacientes evolucionaron de forma favorable. El dolor fue la complicación más visible pues presentó significación estadística al establecer la relación entre las variables. Se demostró que el tratamiento con plasma rico en plaqueta y leucocitos en pacientes con fisura anal secundaria es efectivo y seguro en la evaluación final del tratamiento. Conclusiones: Lo expuesto permite considerar que los pacientes tratados obtuvieron buenos resultados al hacer uso del plasma rico en plaquetas y leucocitos. Por consiguiente, tiene un resultado positivo en no mostrar complicaciones y una alta posibilidad de que el paciente tratado evolucione en mejor condición(AU)

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma is a blood-derived product, rich in peptides and intercellular signaling proteins, as well as cytokines capable of intervening in each of the stages of regeneration of various tissues. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of treatment with platelet- and leucocyte-rich plasma in patients with secondary anal fissure who attended the coloproctology office at Hospital Docente Provincial Oncológico María Curie of Camagüey from January 2020 to January 2023. Methods: A quasiexperimental study was carried out, whose universe consisted of all the patients who came for consultation during that period. The nonprobabilistic purposive sample consisted of 130 adult patients with a diagnosis of secondary anal fissure who received treatment with platelet- and leucocyte-rich plasma. Results: The healing time of the anal fissure allowed corroborating the effectiveness of the treatment; in addition, most of the patients evolved favorably. Pain was the most visible complication since it presented statistical significance when the relationship between the variables were established. Treatment with platelet- and leucocyte-rich plasma in patients with secondary anal fissure proved effective and safe in the final assessment of the treatment. Conclusions: The above allows considering that the treated patients obtained good outcomes when making use of platelet- and leucocyte-rich plasma. Therefore, it has a positive outcome, not showing complications and a high possibility for the treated patient to evolve in a better condition(AU)

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland guideline on the management of anal fissure.

AIM: The management of anal fissure: ACPGBI position statement was written 15 years ago. [KLR Cross et al., Colorectal Dis, 2008]. Our aim was to update the guideline and provide recommendations on the most effective treatment for patients with anal fissures utilising a multidisciplinary, rigorous guideline methodology. METHODS: The development process consisted of six phases. In phase 1 we defined the scope of the guideline. The patient population included patients with acute and chronic anal fissure. The target group was all practitioners (primary and secondary care) treating patients with fissures and, in addition, healthcare workers and patients who desired information regarding fissure management. In phase 2 we formed a guideline development group (GDG) including a methodologist. In phase 3 review questions were formulated, using a reversed PICO process, starting with possible recommendations based on the GDG's knowledge. In phase 4 a comprehensive literature search focused on existing systematic reviews addressing each review question, supplemented by more recent studies if appropriate. In phase 5 data were extracted from the included papers and checked by the GDG. If indicated, meta-analysis of systematic review data was updated by the GDG. During phase 6 the GDG members decided what recommendations could be made based on the evidence in the literature and strength of the recommendation was assessed using 'grade'. RESULTS: This guideline is divided into two sections: Primary care which includes (i) diagnosis; (ii) basic treatment; (iii) topical treatment; and secondary care which includes (iv) botulinum toxin therapy; (v) surgical intervention and (vi) special situations (including pregnancy and breast-feeding patients, children, receptive anal intercourse and low-pressure fissures). A total of 23 recommendations were formulated. A new term clinically healed was described by the GDG. CONCLUSION: This guideline provides an up-to-date evidence-based summary of the current knowledge of the management of anal fissure and may serve as a useful guide for clinicians as well as a potential reference for patients.

Comparing closed versus open lateral internal sphincterotomy for management of chronic anal fissure: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

Chronic anal fissure is one of the most common benign anorectal health conditions, causing significant morbidity, quality of life, and economic loss. Eight randomized controlled trials with a total population size of 1035 were eligible for analysis. Seven studies included both males and female, while one only included females. The majority of randomized controlled trials involved female dominance [54.9% (43.5-66.3)] and posterior midline location [86.1% (95% CI 81.5-90.8%)]. This meta-analysis of randomised control trials found that overall postoperative healing was 90.2%, recurrent anal fissure was 3.7%, and postoperative incontinence was 8.9% after LIS. Even though there was no statistically significant difference, closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) had higher rates of recurrent anal fissure (RR = 1.73 (95% CI 0.86-3.47, p = 0.90, I2 = 0%) and lower rates of postoperative incontinence rate (RR = 0.60 (95% CI 0.37-0.96, p = 0.76, I2-0) as compared with open LIS. We recommended that closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is a safe and effective surgical treatment option for chronic anal fissures.

Surgeons' practice and preferences for the anal fissure treatment: results from an international survey.

The best nonoperative or operative anal fissure (AF) treatment is not yet established, and several options have been proposed. Aim is to report the surgeons' practice for the AF treatment. Thirty-four multiple-choice questions were developed. Seven questions were about to participants' demographics and, 27 questions about their clinical practice. Based on the specialty (general surgeon and colorectal surgeon), obtained data were divided and compared between two groups. Five-hundred surgeons were included (321 general and 179 colorectal surgeons). For both groups, duration of symptoms for at least 6 weeks is the most important factor for AF diagnosis (30.6%). Type of AF (acute vs chronic) is the most important factor which guide the therapeutic plan (44.4%). The first treatment of choice for acute AF is ointment application for both groups (59.6%). For the treatment of chronic AF, this data is confirmed by colorectal surgeons (57%), but not by the general surgeons who prefer the lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) (31.8%) (p = 0.0001). Botulin toxin injection is most performed by colorectal surgeons (58.7%) in comparison to general surgeons (20.9%) (p = 0.0001). Anal flap is mostly performed by colorectal surgeons (37.4%) in comparison to general surgeons (28.3%) (p = 0.0001). Fissurectomy alone is statistically significantly most performed by general surgeons in comparison to colorectal surgeons (57.9% and 43.6%, respectively) (p = 0.0020). This analysis provides useful information about the clinical practice for the management of a debated topic such as AF treatment. Shared guidelines and consensus especially focused on operative management are required to standardize the treatment and to improve postoperative results.

The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of anal fissure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia) on the diagnosis and management of anal fissure, with the purpose to guide every physician in the choice of the best treatment option, according with the available literature. METHODS: A panel of experts was designed and charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key-questions on the main topics covering the management of anal fissure and to performe an accurate search on each topic in different databanks, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in different rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to the PICO criteria, and the statements developed adopting the GRADE methodology. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute anal fissure the medical therapy with dietary and behavioral norms is indicated. In the chronic phase of disease, the conservative treatment with topical 0.3% nifedipine plus 1.5% lidocaine or nitrates may represent the first-line therapy, eventually associated with ointments with film-forming, anti-inflammatory and healing properties such as Propionibacterium extract gel. In case of first-line treatment failure, the surgical strategy (internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy with flap), may be guided by the clinical findings, eventually supported by endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry.

Anorectal Emergencies.

Anorectal emergencies are rare presentations of common anorectal disorders, and surgeons are often called on to assist in their diagnosis and management. Although most patients presenting with anorectal emergencies can be managed nonoperatively or with a bedside procedure, surgeons must also be able to identify surgical anorectal emergencies, such as gangrenous rectal prolapse. This article provides a review of pertinent anatomy; examination techniques; and workup, diagnosis, and management of common anorectal emergencies including thrombosed hemorrhoids, incarcerated hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anorectal abscess, rectal prolapse, and pilonidal abscess and unique situations including rectal foreign body and anorectal sexually transmitted infections.

The effect of Caudal Epidural Injection on healing in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure is called the reaching the muscle layer under the skin by deepening of the fissure in the breech skin. Our purpose is to enable the tissue to heal by relaxing the anal sphincter with caudal epidural injection. METHODS: One hundred twenty cases were included in this randomized, controlled study. The cases were categorized into 2 groups; Under ultrasound guidance, the first group, caudal epidural injection group (Group CE, n = 60) was treated with 5 cc bupivakain + 5 cc isotonic from a caudal epidural for a total of 3 sessions at the beginning, 1 week and 2 weeks later; the second group, control group (Group C, n = 60) were provided medical treatment (cream, pill etc.) every day for 2 weeks. Wexner's constipation score was used to assess constipation severity and visual analog scale was used to assess pain severity. Short Form-36 was used to determine the patient's quality of life. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 2 groups of 60 people and a total of 120 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics (age, body mass index, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist, mean blood pressure, heart rate) (P > .05). Out of the detected fissures, 32 (26.7%) were located anteriorly and 88 (73.3%) were located posteriorly. The groups were statistically same in terms of fissure location (P = .423). When groups were compared with pain, Wexner constipation and visual analog scale scores decreased significantly in Group CE compared to Group C after 2.and 3.sessions (P = .001 and P = .002, respectively). In Group CE, the Short Form-36 subscales increased significantly (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Caudal epidural injection has a potential to be an alternative treatment option for chronic anal fissure.

Desgarro agudo del esfínter anal postparto con reparación inmediata / Immediate repair of acute postpartum anal sphincter tear: case report

Las lesiones obstétricas del esfínter anal pueden ocurrir durante el parto vaginal espontáneamente o secundariamente a la episiotomía. Su riesgo se estima en un 26% y son la causa más frecuente de incontinencia anal en mujeres jóvenes. Las lesiones de grado 4 de Sultan, también llamadas cloaca traumática, implican la ruptura completa del esfínter y la comunicación de la cavidad vaginal con el canal anal. La reparación es siempre quirúrgica, para lo que se han descrito diferentes técnicas, aunque ninguna ha demostrado ser superior. Presentamos el caso de una paciente primípara de 23 años con una cloaca traumática posparto. La reparación quirúrgica se realizó de inmediato con una técnica de overlapping. El postoperatorio fue sin complicaciones y al año presenta continencia anal completa. (AU)

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries can occur spontaneously or as a consequence of an episiotomy during vaginal delivery. Their risk is estimated at 26% and they are the most frequent cause of anal incontinence in young women. Sultan grade 4 injuries, also called traumatic cloaca, involve complete rupture of the sphincter and communication of the vaginal cavity with the anal canal. The repair is always surgical, for which different techniques have been described, although none have proven to be superior. We present the case of a 23-year-old primiparous patient with a postpartum traumatic cloaca. Surgical repair was performed immediately with an overlapping technique. The postoperative period was without complications and one year later she presents complete anal continence. (AU)

Impact of Internal Anal Sphincter Division on Continence Disturbance in Female Patients.

BACKGROUND: Few studies measured the pre- and postoperative anatomic and functional anal canal using 3-dimensional endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry and correlated sphincter division with fecal incontinence, severity, and function. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of fecal incontinence in patients who underwent internal anal sphincter division for anal fissure or intersphincteric anal fistula and correlate severity of symptoms with percentage of divided muscle, anatomical measurements, and anal pressures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Colorectal surgery unit, tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients underwent clinical assessment using the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score for severity of symptoms, manometry, and ultrasound. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Ultrasound measurements of length, percentage, and angle of divided internal anal sphincter, anterior external anal sphincter, posterior external anal sphincter plus puborectalis, and gap lengths. RESULTS: Sixty-three women (mean age, 44 years) were divided into 2 groups: 30 (48%) underwent fistulotomy for intersphincteric anal fistula and 33 (52%) underwent sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure with high anal resting pressure. Forty-six percent experienced some measure of fecal incontinence after internal anal sphincter division. Incidence of fecal incontinence, severity of symptoms, and angle of the divided internal anal sphincter were similar between the groups. Length and percentage of the divided internal anal sphincter were significantly higher in the intersphincteric anal fistula. External anal sphincter and external anal sphincter plus puborectalis lengths were similar in both groups. Gap length was significantly longer in chronic anal fissures with high anal resting pressure. LIMITATIONS: Single-institution, exclusion of males. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence was reported in half of the patients who underwent internal anal sphincter division. Despite the greater length and percentage of internal anal sphincter division in patients who underwent fistulotomy, incidence and severity of fecal incontinence were similar in both groups. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound showed greater gap length in the sphincterotomy group, which may be functionally significant after the division of the shorter internal anal sphincter but with a similar impact on fecal incontinence in both groups. IMPACTO DE LA DIVISIN DEL ESFNTER ANAL INTERNO EN LA ALTERACIN DE LA CONTINENCIA EN PACIENTES DE SEXO FEMENINO: ANTECEDENTES:Pocos estudios han medido el canal anal anatómico y funcional antes y después de la cirugía mediante ecografía endoanal tridimensional y manometría anal, y correlacionado la división del esfínter con la incontinencia fecal, la gravedad y la función.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la incidencia de incontinencia fecal en pacientes sometidos a división del esfínter anal interno por fisura anal o fístula anal interesfinteriana, y correlacionar la gravedad de los síntomas con el porcentaje de músculo dividido, las medidas anatómicas y las presiones anales.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte prospectivo.AJUSTE:Unidad de cirugía colorrectal, centro de referencia de tercer nivel.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a una evaluación clínica utilizando la puntuación de incontinencia fecal de Cleveland Clinic Florida para la gravedad de los síntomas, la manometría y la ecografía.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Mediciones por ultrasonido de la longitud, el porcentaje y el ángulo del esfínter anal interno dividido y el esfínter anal externo anterior, el esfínter anal externo posterior más el puborrectal y las longitudes del espacio.RESULTADOS:Sesenta y tres mujeres (edad media, 44 años) se dividieron en 2 grupos: 30 (48%) sometidos a fistulotomía por fístula anal interesfinteriana y 33 (52%) sometidos a esfinterotomía por fisura anal crónica con alta presión anal en reposo. El 46% experimentó algún grado de incontinencia fecal después de la división del esfínter anal interno. La incidencia de incontinencia fecal, la gravedad de los síntomas y el ángulo del esfínter anal interno dividido fueron similares entre los grupos. La longitud y el porcentaje del esfínter anal interno dividido fueron significativamente mayores en la fístula anal interesfinteriana. Las longitudes del esfínter anal externo y del esfínter anal externo más el puborrectal fueron similares en ambos grupos. La longitud del espacio fue significativamente mayor en la fisura anal crónica con alta presión anal en reposo.LIMITACIONES:Institución única, exclusión de varones.CONCLUSIÓN:La incontinencia fecal se reportó en la mitad de los pacientes sometidos a división del esfínter anal interno. A pesar de la mayor longitud y porcentaje de división del esfínter anal interno en los pacientes sometidos a fistulotomía, la incidencia y gravedad de la incontinencia fecal fue similar en ambos grupos. La ecografía endoanal tridimensional mostró una mayor longitud del espacio en el grupo de esfinterotomía, lo que puede ser funcionalmente significativo después de la división del esfínter anal interno más corto, pero con un impacto similar en la incontinencia fecal en ambos grupos. (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Benign Colorectal Disorders.

Benign conditions of the colon and rectum are a heterogeneous group of conditions that range from inflammatory to infectious to pelvic floor health conditions that affect large segments of the US population. These conditions include diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and anorectal lesions. The initial presentation of these very common conditions often occurs in the outpatient primary care setting, and most can be managed by the primary care clinician. This article will provide an overview on the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of some of the most common benign colorectal disorders; these are broadly divided into diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and anorectal conditions.

The Value of Injection Therapy with Botulinum Toxin in Pain Treatment of Primary Chronic Anal Fissures Compared to Anal Dilation, and Local Nifedipine in Combination with Lidocaine.

Introduction: Anal fissure is a longitudinal tear of the mucosa of the anal canal extending from the outer anal orifice in the direction of the dentate line of the inner anal opening. Fissures are divided into primary and secondary, and acute or chronic. Besides minimal rectal bleeding, itching and soiling, primary chronic anal fissures (PCAF) manifest with anal pain as theirs main determinant. It is described as the most troubling symptom. Aim: To compare the effect of injection therapy with botulinum toxin A (ITBT) vs. anal dilation (AD), and local nifedipine with lidocaine (LNL) in pain treatment of PCAF. Materials and Methods: This controlled retrospective prospective longitudinal study covered 94 patients, divided in 3 groups. The first was treated with ITBT, the second with AD and third using LNL (31, 33 and 30 patients respectively). Clostridium botulinum toxin A was used, dissolved with saline to concentration of 200 U/ml. The solution was applied to both sides of PCAF at dose of 40U. Modified technique of AD was done using 3 fingers of a single hand, progressively introduced into the anal canal, followed by gradual lateral distraction during 1 min. LNL therapy was conducted using nifedipine (0.3%) with lidocaine (1.5%) ointment, applied twice daily for 3 weeks. To measure pain, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used. The follow-up period was 12 weeks with checkup at week 4. Results: The median age of participants was 46.6±13.9 years (50 males vs. 44 females). The type of therapy had a significantly different effect on pain at week 4 (p=0.0003). Severe pain was present in only 2 ITBT patients, 16 AD, and 6 LNL patients. Post hoc analyses showed different pain disappearance time by week 12 (p <0.0001). The mean time was shortest in ITBT group (6.1±1.5 weeks). Anal pain intensity significantly differed among the 3 groups (Fisher exact, p=0.002). Namely, 71% in ITBT group rated the pain as weakest (VAS score 1) compared to 18.2% in AD and 30% of patients in LNL group. The overall pain reduction significance was in favor of ITBT, due to the differences between the ITBT and AD groups (p=0.00024) and ITBT compared to LNL group (p=0.018). Conclusion: ITBT is superior to AD and LNL in reducing pain in PCAF.