Long-term results of topical glyceryl trinitrate ointment in children with anal fissure.
OBJECTIVE
Although topical glyceryl trinitrate ointment (GTN) has become a popular treatment for anal fissure in adults, its use in children is still limited. We aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of topical GTN in the long-term management of anal fissure in children, which has not yet been reported.


METHODS
Thirty-one children with anal fissure who received topical 0.2% GTN treatment between 1997 and 1998 were evaluated in 2004.


RESULTS
Ten patients had one or more relapses after initial treatment with 0.2% GTN, all within 1 year of first onset of anal fissure. No further recurrences were diagnosed during the 4-year follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Although early recurrence can occur, topical GTN ointment is effective in healing chronic anal fissures in children.
Demirbag
S
S
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. sdemirbag@gata.edu.tr
Tander
B
B
Atabek
C
C
Surer
I
I
Oztürk
H
H
Cetinkursun
S
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D001003:Anal Canal; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005401:Fissure in Ano / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009824:Ointments; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing
D009824:Ointments; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin