Hi there

I had a sphicto..... surgery (not sure how to spell this) many years ago, approx. 13yrs. The muscle was cut and it took me a long time to get over the pain every time I had go to the toilet. It has never been pain free however the past year or so this pain has been getting worse and it is getting harder and harder for me to go to the toilet. I went back to a colorectal specialist a few months ago and he put me under anaethestic where he took out some pollops (which seemed to be a revenue gathering surgery) and didn't really address the issue I went and saw him about. I asked him why I am still getting pain and he said "well there does seem to be a bit of scar tissue which may be causing this". I asked what can be done about this and he said there is a surgery where they will cut a flap of tissue and pull it over the scar tissue to help. However because it will then need to heal there could a bit of pain for a while. He said to go away and think about it. I immedietely rejected this as I didn't want more surgery down there.
I am getting at wits end, I am now getting blood every time I go to the toilet and really struggle to pass a BM. The pain I could almost live with if it was over with quick but it seems like I am trying to squeeze my poo through a tiny gap and I really struggle to get it out.
Has anyone else had this problem or the flap surgery. I see some people have had botox but not sure if this would help me. I may have to go back to a different specialist but this is also costing me a fortune everytime I do.
By the way I live in New Zealand, not that this make a difference

Hi roussodog

Sorry that your going through some very difficult times right now.
The sphincerectomy you are talking about sometimes has to be
re-done. I'll let others more in the know clue you in.

While your waiting for more answers here are some previous post
here on the flap procedure.

http://anal-fissure.org/too-tight-t7180.html#p95943 for references below

Hi, I had double advancement flaps for anal stenosis just about 4 months ago. I had narrowed to the point that food was getting stuck on the way out. It was really bad. The flap surgery involved removing the underlying scar tissue and adding new skin in it's place. One very important part of my surgery was dilation. This is so important. You have about 2 years to stretch the new tissue and scar tissue when it's fresh. If you do this at the end of 2 years that will be the size your anus can stretch to. After 2 years you won't be able to get the diameter any larger. I dilate once or twice a day. I too have a tendency to scar so even though I can dilate every other day now I'm not taking any chances. When I first started it was one week after surgery and it was not easy but as the months have gone by it's easier. I just relax and go slow. It takes about 2 minutes at the most and I'm done. I can see the results in the diameter of the bms I have. I'm extremely greatful I found a good CRS and I let him talk me into the surgery. Suzy

http://anal-fissure.org/search.php?keywords=double+flap for reference below

"... anal transplants. I think the closest thing they have now is that "double advancement flap" surgery that some have had here. Annette24, not saying this can be an option for ...
Hi, tiredjay. I had double advancement flaps in april so I'm almost 6 months out now. Some of what you are ... pass any stool larger than a spaghetti noodle and I'm not joking, it got that bad. Flap surgery is a pretty invasive surgery in an area that is already very sensitive so ..."

GL to you HThelps......

Have you got only sphincerectomy that time or some hemorrhoids removed also ?

Thanks for the advice buttastic. I am going to try some other methods for a while and see if things ease up such as less meat in my diet, might try some mineral oil to help things smooth out. I may just be delaying the inevitable of having to have the flap surgery but have just started a new job as well so I can't take time out at the moment. I just remember it took me about 6 months to get over the sphincterectmy so I really am wary about surgery. This website is so helpful, it gives some comfort that there are possible solutions.

Igrik I had the sphincerectomy 13 odd years ago, just had pollops removed recently.