Impact of Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy on Quality of Life and Continence in Patients with Chronic Anal Fissure: A Prospective Observational Study

Background

Chronic anal fissure is a painful anorectal disorder that disrupts daily activity, work and emotional well-being. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) heals most fissures, but the possibility of postoperative faecal incontinence makes it important to measure what the operation actually does to a patient’s quality of life (QoL) and continence. Aim/Objectives: To compare QoL and continence status before and 12 weeks after LIS in patients with chronic anal fissure, using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey and the Wexner incontinence score. Material and Method: This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, from October 2023 to March 2025. One hundred consecutive patients with chronic anal fissure who met the selection criteria underwent LIS. SF-36 and Wexner assessments were recorded preoperatively and at 12 weeks. Preoperative and postoperative SF-36 domain scores were compared with the paired t-test; p < 0.05 was taken as significant.