Long-term incontinence rates after traditional lateral internal sphincterotomy: a 5-year retrospective analysis from a high-volume tertiary referral center for proctologic disorders

Background: Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are a common proctological condition that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is widely considered the gold-standard treatment for CAF; however, postoperative fecal incontinence remains a potential risk. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term incontinence rates following traditional LIS for CAF. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CAF who underwent traditional LIS. Patients with any degree of continence impairment prior to surgery, as well as those who experienced events potentially affecting continence function after surgery, were excluded from the analysis. Incontinence was assessed using the Vaizey score both preoperatively and at follow-up. Results: Between January 2014 and May 2019, 98 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up duration was 7 years (range 5–10 years). At follow-up, the Vaizey score ranged from 1 to 4 in 19 patients (19.4%) and from 5 to 9 in 5 patients (5.1%). Incontinence primarily involved gas or liquid stool; no patients reported solid stool incontinence. A total of four patients (4.1%) experienced defecatory urgency. No patients required constipating medications or reported lifestyle changes; only one patient (1.0%) required the use of pads. No correlation was found with age, sex, BMI, or smoking status. Conclusions: When present, incontinence following traditional LIS is generally mild, does not require constipating medications, and does not interfere with patients’ lifestyle.