Sphincterotomy in Kansas City, MO
What is a sphincterotomy?
Lateral internal sphincterotomy is the procedure used to treat anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small rip within the lining of the anus and is characterized by bleeding and pain during bowel movements. The internal sphincter muscle in the anus is under constant tension, but elevated pressure can lead to the development of anal fissures or can prevent a current fissure from healing. If you are seeking a provider who offers sphincterotomies in Kansas City, MO, our specialists can help. Consult with Digestive Health Specialists to request a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists to learn more about this treatment option.
Who is a candidate for a sphincterotomy?
A sphincterotomy procedure could be beneficial to those dealing with anal fissures. Anal fissures often present with the following symptoms:
- Bleeding
- Pain during bowel movements
- Itching
Most anal fissures heal without intervention or with at-home therapies. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is recommended by our Kansas City, MO providers in cases where conservative treatment measures are unsuccessful in healing the fissure.
How is a sphincterotomy performed?
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.
Treatment for anal fissures
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.
Sphincterotomy FAQs
How successful is sphincterotomy in resolving anal fissures?
Sphincterotomy has proven to be a highly effective surgical method for treating chronic anal fissures, boasting success rates often above 90%. The procedure reduces pain and facilitates healing by lessening the tension in the anal sphincter, thereby improving circulation to the affected area. Most patients report a significant alleviation of symptoms and a swift improvement, making sphincterotomy a dependable choice for those unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments.
Is hospitalization required following a sphincterotomy?
Sphincterotomy is generally conducted as an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. Patients are usually able to go home on the same day once the anesthesia subsides. The specifics of your recovery will depend on your individual situation and the surgery’s complexity, but typically, recovery can be managed comfortably at home. Normal activities can often be resumed within a few days, though complete healing may take several weeks.
What are the pain management expectations after undergoing a sphincterotomy?
Effective pain management is crucial following a sphincterotomy. To alleviate discomfort post-procedure, your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications. Additionally, sitz baths, which involve sitting in warm water to soothe the perineal area, are often recommended to aid in pain relief and accelerate healing. It is important to adhere strictly to your doctor’s advice on pain management to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery period.
