Lateral Sphincterotomy in Leicester
A surgical procedure for treating anal fissures.
Understanding Lateral Sphincterotomy
Lateral sphincterotomy, also known as Anal sphincterotomy, is a surgery that involves cutting or stretching the hypertrophied internal sphincter (anal sphincter).
The Lateral sphincter is a bundle of muscles at the digestive tract’s end that connects to the rectum. This circular muscle group controls bowel movements. When an anal fissure forms, it can cause bleeding and, in some cases, pain. Surgery is recommended if all other treatments have been tried without success. The internal anal sphincter muscle is slightly incised during the treatment to release tension and promotes successful healing of the fissure.
Lateral Sphincterotomy Treats:
Long-term anal fissuresAnal Sphincter SpasmsRecurrence of Anal FissuresSevere Constipation-related FissuresPain Relief from Anal ConditionsHow Does the Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy Procedure Work?
To reach the muscle around your anal canal called the anal sphincter, the surgeon will make a small cut in the skin of your anal canal. This muscle controls how the anus opens and closes. The surgeon will then make a small cut in the sphincter to loosen it, prevent spasms, and help it heal naturally.
Lateral internal sphincterotomy is a day-case operation, which means you can go home the same day once the anaesthesia goes off. It would help if you made plans for someone to drive you home because you should not drive for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic.
After the surgery, you may experience some soreness, which can be relieved with simple pain medication. It’s recommended to take a bath the day after the surgery to soak up any dressings and keep your anus clean. You may see a small amount of bleeding in the bath. You might also have a small amount of mucus flow from your back passage for the first few days. To avoid staining your pants, you can use a small pad or panty liner.
Benefits of Lateral Internal Anal Sphincterotomy Treatment
Rapid Pain Relief
Many patients report major pain reduction within a day following the procedure..
Relief from Chronic Anal Fissures
Effective for patients with fissures that have not healed with conservative treatments. .
Minimally Invasive
The surgery involves a small incision and is typically performed in theatres, minimising recovery time. .
Less Likelihood of Recurrence
Decreases the chances of fissure recurrence by improving blood flow and healing. .
Improved Bowel Movements
Eases bowel movements by reducing pain and discomfort, leading to a more regular and comfortable experience. .
Long-Term Solution
By reducing sphincter muscle tension, the procedure helps prevent the recurrence of fissures. .
Treatment at a glance
Purpose
Procedure Duration
Anaesthesia
Recovery Time
Pain Level
Drive
Purpose
Treat long-term anal fissures (tears in the anal lining)
Pain Level
Moderate to mild
Procedure Duration
30 minutes
Recovery Time
6 weeks
Drive
24 hours
Anaesthesia
General
Cost of Consultation
Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!
Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?
01. Expertise You Can Trust: Our surgeons are leaders in their fields, bringing years of experience and cutting-edge techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
02. Personalised Care: We take the time to understand your needs and offer a treatment plan that prioritises your health and well-being.
03. Confidential Environment: Your privacy is our priority. From consultation to recovery, we maintain strict confidentiality and provide a secure, comforting environment.
04. We offer medical and surgical therapies both in clinics under local anaesthesia and in theatres under general anaesthesia.
Patient Testimonials
Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .
Written by an NHS patient
I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.
Written by an NHS patient
This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.
Written by an NHS patient
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
01.What are the potential Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy complications?
Surgery to fix an issue with the muscle controlling the anal sphincter can help many people, but there are risks. After the surgery, bleeding or pus collection may occur. Some may experience temporary trouble controlling bowel movements.
02. What is the typical Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy healing time?
Many people experience relief from the pain of their anal fissures within a few days after the surgery. However, it may take around 6 weeks for the anus to fully heal.
03. What are the things to avoid following a sphincterotomy?
After a sphincterotomy, it’s important to avoid doing any strenuous activities for at least a week. You should take sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 15-20 minutes) three times a day and after every bowel movement in the first few days. It’s normal to experience some bleeding, discharge, or itching during your recovery, so there’s no need to worry about it.
04. What are the Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy steps involved in the procedure?
- Initial dissection.
- Division of internal sphincter.
- Closure of incision.
- Closed lateral internal sphincterotomy.
05. How much pain can I expect after surgery?
This is a very common concern. While there will be some discomfort, the pain after surgery is usually much less severe than the pain you were experiencing from the anal fissure. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help manage any pain you experience.
06. What kind of anaesthesia will be used during the surgery?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, but various anaesthetic techniques are also possible.
07. Will I be able to control my bowel movements after surgery?
Incontinence is a rare complication of sphincterotomy, and most people do not experience any problems with bowel control after surgery.
08. What dietary restrictions will I need to follow after surgery?
Your doctor will likely recommend that you eat a high-fibre diet and drink plenty of fluids to help keep your stools soft. This will help to make bowel movements less painful.
