Treatments
Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS)
- Section
- Treatments
- Specialist
- Op. Dr. Dilara Hasanova
- Clinic
- Modern Hospital, Baku
What is LIS?
Short answer
Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is an operation used to treat chronic anal fissure. A small part of the internal sphincter muscle is cut on the side of the anal canal. This relieves the sphincter spasm, improves blood flow to the area and creates conditions for the fissure to heal.
“Pain — spasm — non-healing” cycle
- Painduring and after defecation
- Spasmreflex spasm of the anal sphincter
- Non-healingblood flow drops, no healing
When is it needed?
- Chronic anal fissure lasting longer than 6 weeks
- A fissure that does not heal despite properly performed conservative treatment
- Recurrent fissures
After surgery
In most patients, the pain decreases within a short time after the operation. Complete healing of the fissure takes several weeks. A fiber-rich diet, enough fluids and stool softeners make recovery easier.
Risks
LIS is a method whose effectiveness in treating chronic anal fissure has been confirmed by studies, but like any operation it carries risks. The most important risk, which occurs in rare cases, is difficulty holding in gas or liquid stool. This risk is higher in people who have previously had anal surgery, in women who have given birth many times and in those with a weak sphincter. In such patients, alternative methods are discussed.
The doctor's practice
Examinations and treatments Dr. Hasanova performs herself
For chronic anal fissure, Dr. Hasanova performs excision of the fissure (fissurectomy) and LIS operations. If hemorrhoids or an anal polyp are also present, she combines the operations in the same session when needed.