Sphincterotomy in Kansas City, MO

A sphincterotomy is done as an outpatient procedure and under either general or local anesthesia. Your GI specialist creates a minor incision in the internal anal sphincter. The incision in the muscle lowers the pressure, thus allowing the fissure to heal. The incision will then either be sutured with dissolvable sutures or can be left open to allow for natural healing. As with any surgical procedure, lateral internal sphincterotomy may have some risks and complications, for example, inability to control gas or stool, bleeding, pain, infection at the site of the incision, and trouble with urination. We recommend having a conversation about the benefits and risks of this procedure with your Digestive Health Specialists provider.

Anal fissures can sometimes heal naturally. Regardless, if you are experiencing a fissure that does not heal naturally and is seemingly resistant to the more conservative treatments, a sphincterotomy might be able to help. Should you have additional questions about sphincterotomies or any alternative method of treatment for anal fissures, we implore you to contact a Digestive Health Specialists provider. As a physician-led team of gastroenterology providers, Digestive Health Specialists strives to provide patient-focused care for GI tract problems such as anal fissures. If you are seeking a provider who performs sphincterotomies in Kansas City, MO, please contact us today.