title: Open lateral sphincterotomy is still the best treatment for chronic anal fissure.
abstract: Chronic anal fissure is the main cause of anal pain and is very common. Many treatment modalities have been tried-none is ideal. Recently, topical nitric oxide releasing agents and botulin toxin injections have been used, trying to replace surgery. No long-term experience is available. Personal experience with 2,108 open, ambulatory, lateral sphincterotomy with follow-up of 4-20 years is presented.
authors.affiliation: Elisha and Horev Medical Centers, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Argov
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Levandovsky
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005401:Fissure in Ano / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009407:Nerve Block; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008012:Lidocaine; D008874:Midazolam; D002045:Bupivacaine