Treatment

Sphincterotomy

Overview

Sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at treating an anal fissure or a condition where the anal sphincter (muscle surrounding the anus) is too tight, causing pain and difficulty with bowel movements. This procedure involves making a small incision in the internal anal sphincter to relieve tension and promote healing. It’s often recommended for individuals who experience chronic anal fissures that do not heal with conservative treatments.

Why Splenectomy Treatment is Required?

• To treat chronic anal fissures that don’t heal with medication or lifestyle changes.
• When painful bowel movements persist despite using topical treatments or stool softeners.
• If there is a risk of chronic spasms of the anal sphincter causing continued pain.
• To improve blood flow to the fissure area, promoting faster healing and reducing recurrence.
• Sphincterotomy is considered when other less invasive treatments, such as topical creams or Botox injections, fail.

Key Advantages of Splenectomy Treatment

• Quick Recovery: The procedure is minimally invasive, often requiring only local anesthesia and a short recovery period.
• Effective Pain Relief: Helps to reduce chronic pain caused by spasms in the anal sphincter muscle.
• Long-lasting Results: Provides long-term relief from recurrent anal fissures.
• Low Recurrence Rate: After successful surgery, the chance of the fissure reoccurring is significantly reduced.
• Improved Quality of Life: Patients experience relief from pain and discomfort during bowel movements, leading to a better quality of life.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Splenectomy Treatment

• Consultation with a Surgeon: A thorough examination will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment options.
• Dietary Adjustments: Eat a light meal a few hours before the procedure. You may be advised to avoid heavy or hard-to-digest foods.
• Bowel Preparation: You might be asked to undergo a bowel cleansing process the day before the surgery, such as using an enema.
• Medications: Avoid using blood-thinning medications before surgery. Consult your doctor about any current medications you are taking.
• Arranging for Aftercare: Have someone accompany you home after the procedure since you may need assistance due to the effects of anesthesia.

How Splenectomy Treatment is Performed?

• The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or in some cases, with sedation, depending on the patient’s comfort.
• The surgeon makes a small incision in the lateral internal sphincter (the muscle around the anus).
• This incision releases the tension in the muscle, allowing it to relax and heal more effectively.
• The procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive, often performed on an outpatient basis.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before the Process: You will be asked to empty your bowels and may be given a sedative to relax. The area around the anus will be cleaned and numbed.
• During the Process: The surgeon will make a small incision in the anal sphincter to relieve pressure. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• After the Process: You will experience some discomfort and minor bleeding, which is normal. Pain relief medications may be prescribed to manage post-operative pain. You will be able to go home the same day but should rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few days.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site.
• Incontinence: Although rare, there is a slight risk of temporary incontinence (difficulty controlling bowel movements) due to damage to the sphincter.
• Recurrence of Fissures: In some cases, the fissure may recur despite surgery.
• Bleeding: Mild bleeding after the surgery is normal but should be monitored for excessive or prolonged bleeding.
• Scarring or Stenosis: In rare cases, scar tissue can form, leading to narrowing (stenosis) of the anus, which may require further treatment.

Results/Outcomes

• Successful Relief: Most patients experience significant relief from pain and improved healing after the procedure.
• Quick Healing: Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, with many reporting a complete resolution of symptoms.
• Minimal Complications: The risk of complications is low when the procedure is done by an experienced surgeon.
• Improved Function: You will be able to resume normal bowel movements without pain or discomfort.