Anal sphincterotomy
Encyclopedia
Anal sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure that involves treating mucosal fissures from the anal canal/sphincter
. The word is formed from sphincter + otomy (to cut, to separate).
Sphincter
A sphincter is an anatomical structure, or a circular muscle, that normally maintains constriction of a natural body passage or orifice and which relaxes as required by normal physiological functioning...
. The word is formed from sphincter + otomy (to cut, to separate).
Procedure
- The surgery can be performed under any kind of anesthesiaAnesthesiaAnesthesia, or anaesthesia , traditionally meant the condition of having sensation blocked or temporarily taken away...
. - After anesthesia is administered, the area is cleaned with an antisepticAntisepticAntiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
solution. - The sphincter is separated either by simply stretching or cutting. Cutting the muscle prevents spasm and temporarily weakens the muscles. Both methods help the underlying area to heal.
- Remove the fissure and any underlying scar tissueScar tissueScar tissue can refer to:*Granulation tissue, a product of healing in major wounds*The tissue of a scar*"Scar Tissue", a Red Hot Chili Peppers song*Scar Tissue , the autobiography of Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers...
. - Suture back the wound.
See also
- Lateral internal sphincterotomyLateral internal sphincterotomyLateral internal sphincterotomy is an operation performed on the internal anal sphincter muscle for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. The internal anal sphincter is one of two muscles that comprise the anal sphincter which controls the passage of feces...