Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy
Gold standard surgical division of the lower internal sphincter — over 95% healing rate for chronic anal fissure.
What is Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy?
An anal fissure is a painful tear in the lining of the anal canal, most commonly in the posterior midline. Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) is the gold standard surgical treatment for chronic fissure, precisely dividing the lower portion of the internal anal sphincter to relieve the excessive muscle tone that prevents the fissure from healing. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs LIS as a day surgery procedure. With normalised sphincter pressure, blood flow to the fissure improves and healing occurs in over 95% of patients within 4–6 weeks. The risk of incontinence is less than 1%.
How the Procedure Works
Classification
Fissure confirmed as chronic by clinical assessment. Sentinel tag and hypertrophied papilla confirm suitability for sphincterotomy.
Anaesthesia
Short general or local anaesthesia. Day surgery — no admission required.
Lateral Sphincterotomy
Small lateral incision at 3 o'clock position. Lower internal sphincter fibres precisely divided under direct vision — just enough to normalise resting pressure.
Natural Healing
Normalised sphincter tone improves blood supply and fissure heals naturally over 4–6 weeks.
Post-procedure Care
High-fibre diet, sitz baths, and stool softeners for 6 weeks. Review at 6 weeks to confirm complete fissure resolution.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Over 95% healing rate — highest of any fissure treatment
- →Permanent sphincter relaxation — no repeat procedures needed in most patients
- →Day surgery under local or short general anaesthesia
- →Less than 1% risk of incontinence in specialist hands
LIS is one of the most effective procedures in anorectal surgery. Patients who have suffered for months often experience dramatic pain relief within 24 hours. Over 95% are completely healed within 6 weeks.
— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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