What is LASER Sphincterotomy?

It is a surgery done for treatment of anal fissures. Let us first understand how fissures are formed. The muscles around the anal canal are called sphincters. They contract and relax to help the passage of stools during bowel movements. Hard stools cause tears in the lining of the anal canal. Medically these tears or vertical injuries in the lining of the anal canal walls are called anal fissures or fissure in ano. Typically, when one has fissures there is severe pain during passage of motion, one notices streaks of blood along stools during or after motions. If the problem persists, then it needs medical treatment. In the initial stage, your doctor will prescribe medicines like laxatives and stool softeners and creams. But, when these medicines fail to heal the anal fissures, it is time to get the surgery done.

LASER Sphincterotomy is a procedure used to loosen the muscle (sphincter) spasm, which reduces the strain in the anal canal and heals the chronic fissures. It is a safe, minimally invasive, painless surgical procedure performed with the use of LASERs. Experts at Proctocare Clinic perform this surgery regularly using an advanced 1470 nm LASER machine of Lasotronix and using special fibers. The advantage of choosing LASERs over conventional Fissurectomy is the low chance of recurrence, better and faster healing and success rate as high as 95%.

Let us understand this new advanced treatment for anal fissures:

LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a high-energy light used in many procedures. LASER is precise, where the light does not swerve or move away from the point. It has controlled depth giving spectacular results and hence has become the preferred treatment these days.

How is the surgery (procedure) done?

In the LASER Sphincterotomy procedure, a precise incision or cut is made on the spastic anal sphincter. This relaxes the muscles (sphincter) which leads to reduced strain on the anal canal thereby healing the fissures. During the surgery, sentinel tags (lumps of skin around the fissures ) are removed. It is a daycare procedure, which gets completed in less than 30 minutes. LASER Sphincterotomy delivers excellent healing. Within a short period, a patient can resume daily activities.

What is the preparation before the surgery?

Before a patient decides to undergo Laser Sphincterotomy or LASER treatment for anal fissures, the following preparations are necessary:

• Pre-operative fitness (for which the patient will need to undergo various blood tests, an X-ray, ECG, etc.)
• Blood pressure and sugar needs to be under control
• The patient will fast for 12 hours before the surgery
• The patient is not permitted to drink water 6 hours before surgery
• There is a bowel preparation where the patient takes a laxative night before the surgery 

How safe is the procedure?

You are in safe hands when you undergo LASER Sphincterotomy with us. We are pioneers in LASER surgeries in the field of proctology. It is a safe procedure conducted by our highly skilled and experienced team of doctors. The surgical outcomes of our patients are excellent. It is rare for our patients to encounter infections, fecal incontinence or recurrence of fissures after the surgery.

What kind of anesthesia is given for this surgery?

The anesthetist will administer local or regional anesthesia to the patient during the procedure in the operation theatre

How long does the patient stay in the hospital?

Although a daycare procedure, our patients stay overnight.

What is the post-operation care to be taken; how long does the patient take to recover completely?

Recovery from LASER surgery varies from person to person depending on the patient’s general health, coping capacity, etc. Generally, patients get back to routine activities in 2 -3 days. For better and faster recovery, we recommend the following instructions:

• Use of stool softeners and laxatives
• A high-fibre diet
• Sitz bath, application of gel or ointment
• Follow up after 5-7 days

How is it better than conventional treatments?

Before the advent of LASER technology in proctology, doctors performed open Fissurectomy for treating fissures. This surgery had many limitations. Post-surgery, patients complained of pain, urine retention, bleeding and infection near the operated area. The patient stayed in the hospital for more days and healing was slow. The chance of recurrence was high too. 

LASER surgery or treatment has revolutionized the treatment of fissures. It is a very effective procedure that offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

• Painless or mild pain for a few days
• Less bleeding
• Simple and safe procedure
• Minimally invasive procedure
• Low chance of Fecal leak or incontinence 
• Reduced chance of infection
• Quick relief from the symptoms
• Fast healing and recovery 
• Early return to work
• Minimal care after the surgery