EVALUATION OF SURGICALAND NON-SURGICALAPPROACHES IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ANAL FISSURES: A COMPARATIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

This observational study at Index Medical College from June 2022 to June 2023 compared nonsurgical and surgical treatments for chronic anal ssures in patients aged 12 and above. The study involved 95 patients, with 58 receiving nonsurgical treatments (topical nifedipine, botulinum toxin) and 37 undergoing surgical intervention (lateral internal sphincterotomy). Results showed that 85% of nonsurgical patients and 92% of surgical patients experienced complete pain relief. Recurrence rates were 18% in the nonsurgical group compared to 5% in the surgical group. Complications were minimal, with temporary incontinence occurring in 3% of surgical patients. Nonsurgical therapies are effective with fewer complications, but surgical treatment is more effective in preventing recurrence