Lateral subcutaneous internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure, an outpatient procedure.

We have adapted the lateral internal sphincterotomy technique for the repair of chronic anal fissure to a strictly office or outpatient procedure. The early cure rate in this review of our first 200 patients was very good - well in excess of 98 per cent. Complications were exceedingly minor, the considerable cost to the patient of hospitalization and time off from work has been saved, and patient acceptance has been excellent.