Hello to all,
I've been suffering with my fissure for about six months now. The doctor today told me that since the cream prescription has not healed my fissure I am now a candidate for surgery.
As he explained it to me, the surgery involves making a small cut on my rectal muscle at a location near to my fissure. This does not make any sense to me and I'm hoping someone out there can provide more details regarding how this surgery is suppose to work. How does a fissure heal itself by making a cut at some other location other than where the fissure is at? My common sense tells me that the area of the fissure itself should be cut so that I only end up with one area in my rectal muscle that is damaged. Another thing the doctor told me that has me concerned is how after surgery the possibility exists of accidental bowel movement release. How common is this after surgery?
Lastly, aside from the painful spasms that follow a bowel movement, another discomfort I dislike feeling is the anal stinging that happens when things get too humid down there. Does this surgery heal the fissure to a degree where the stinging totally disappears?
I would appreciated hearing from anyone out there who has had this surgery done. Thanks in advance.

LIS is to cut the muscle so as to loosen the anal sphincter so as to encourage a good flow of blood to the fissure to facilitate healing.
I did not have LIS, i heal my fissure via conservative treatments. There are many here on board who has healed via LIS too. Do surf ard.

Yes, the fissure is like a cut in the skin that won't heal because the sphincter muscle constantly pulls it apart preventing it from closing. Once the cut is made in the sphincter muscle it can relax allowing the fissure to heal. Of all the people on here none have had problems with being able to control bowel movement or leakage. I am about 6 weeks out and I have no issue with that. I do get "skid marks" now which I think of from my constant farting. The stinging sensation should get better.

This is straight from the Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. It is the inner spincter that they 'snip'..
'Surgery is a highly effective treatment for a fissure and recurrence rates after surgery are low. Surgery usually consists of a small operation to cut a portion of the internal anal sphincter muscle (a lateral internal sphincterotomy). This helps the fissure heal and decreases pain and spasm.
If a sentinel pile is present, it too may be removed to promote healing of the fissure. A sphincterotomy rarely interferes with one’s ability to control bowel movements and is most commonly performed as a short outpatient procedure. Surgical treatments do have other risks, and your surgeon will address these with you.'
Check out the links on here under 'Considering Surgery or Already Had It'. Lots there from people who have had the op. Also, have a look under 'References, Web Sites, Facts...'. A lot of infor there too.
And, of course, just keep asking here. Always some kind soul to help! Hope you're not in too much pain.

Fellow Forum Members,
Thanks to all who have posted in my thread. I find all of the posts very helpful and I feel very fortunate I found such a great forum. The main concern I now have relates to healing time. My doctor says that I will be able to get operated on a Friday and go back to work on Monday. However, some posts I have been reading in this forum contradict what my Doctor is telling me. A post I have just read points out that a minimum of two weeks is needed before I go back to work. My job involves sitting down all day, so I'm confused as to whether going back to work is going to be possible in 3 days or in 2 weeks. Any info welcome. Thanks.

That will mostly depend on you, my surgery was Friday and wendesday I felt I could work. Plan a week off min, two if you can. Most employers will let you come back early if you feel up to it.

I agree with Tony. Stay off your butt for at least a week if you can. The less pressure you put down there, the less swelling you will have and recovery can begin.

I have not had the surgery, but would absolutely go with what Tim has said and plan on a week at least, if you are able to do so.