Aim: To compare the efficacy of topical Glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% (GTN) with Lateral internal spincterotomy (LIS) for treating chronic anal fissure (CAF).

Methodology: A randomized control trial was carried out in the general surgery department, Lady reading hospital, LRH MTI, Peshawar (January 2018 to July 2018). All consecutive patients 18 to 60 year old presenting to OPD with a clinical diagnosis of chronic anal fissure were enrolled after informed consent. A total of 60 patients were enrolled. The patients were assigned two groups, including treatment group A (lateral internal spinterotomy) or treatment group B (use of Topical GTN ointment 0.2%).

Results: Out of the 60 patients, 30 were enrolled into each group. The female had majority of 57% (group A) and 60% (group B). Mean duration regarding symptoms in group A was 1 year with SD ± 3.51 vs 1 year ± 2.98 in group B. Majority of patients in both groups were in the 20 to 40 years age group (74% in group A vs 83% in group B). Complete fissure healing and resolution of symptoms was observed in 27(91%) in group A vs 20(66%) in group B.

Conclusion: In conclusion, we derive that lateral internal spincterotomy is more effectual than Topical Glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% for treating chronic anal fissure.

Keywords: Chronic anal fissure, lateral internal spincterotomy, Glyceryltrinitrate