Sphincterotomy in Denver, CO
What is a sphincterotomy?
Lateral internal sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure carried out to improve anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small rip in the tissue lining of the anus that causes bleeding and discomfort with bowel movements. The internal sphincter muscle within the anus is always under tension. But elevated pressure may proceed to the appearance of anal fissures or the prevention of an existing fissure from healing. If you are seeking a provider who offers sphincterotomies in Denver, CO, our physicians can help. Contact Denver Digestive Health Specialists to request a consultation with one of our GI providers to have all your questions answered.
Who should get a sphincterotomy?
Sphincterotomies treatments help people suffering from anal fissures. Anal fissures can manifest with the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Pain with bowel movements
- Bleeding
Many cases of anal fissures will likely resolve without intervention or with the help of at-home therapies. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is recommended when conservative treatment measures cannot successfully heal the fissure.
How does a sphincterotomy work?
Our Denver, CO team performs a sphincterotomy on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia. Your provider makes a minor incision within the internal anal sphincter. The incision in the muscle decreases existing pressure, thus allowing the fissure to close. The incision is then either stitched with dissolvable sutures or can be left open to allow for natural healing. As in any procedure, lateral internal sphincterotomy might involve certain complications and risks. Some risks include incontinence of stool or gas, bleeding, pain, infection at the incision site, and difficulty with passing urine. We encourage you to discuss the complete list of possible risks and benefits of this procedure with our Denver Digestive Health Specialists.
Healing for anal fissures
Anal fissures might heal without intervention. Regardless, if you are dealing with a fissure that does not seem to be healing and is seemingly resistant to the more conservative approaches, then a sphincterotomy might be able to help you. Should you have additional questions about the sphincterotomy or any other treatment method for anal fissures, we urge you to connect with a Denver Digestive Health Specialists provider. As a physician-led team of gastroenterology providers, Denver Digestive Health Specialists strives to provide patient-centered treatment for anal fissures. If you are searching for a provider specializing in sphincterotomies in Denver, CO, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Sphincterotomy FAQs
What is the effectiveness of sphincterotomy in resolving anal fissures?
Sphincterotomy has proven to be a highly effective surgical option for chronic anal fissures, boasting success rates often above 90%. The procedure aims to reduce the tension in the anal sphincter, which not only alleviates pain but also enhances blood circulation to the affected area, fostering quicker healing. For patients who have not seen improvement through nonsurgical treatments, sphincterotomy offers significant symptom relief and rapid recovery.
Is hospitalization required after undergoing sphincterotomy?
Sphincterotomy is generally conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day without an overnight hospital stay. Recovery instructions, including the duration of rest needed at home, will vary depending on your specific situation and the surgery’s complexity. You can typically resume your usual activities within a few days, although complete healing may take longer.
How is pain managed following a sphincterotomy?
Effective pain management is crucial after a sphincterotomy. Your healthcare provider will prescribe appropriate pain relief medications to manage discomfort during the recovery phase. Additionally, sitz baths are often recommended to soothe the area and aid in healing. Adhering to your provider’s pain management guidance is vital for a comfortable recovery period.
