Utilization of a Combined Procedure for Hemorrhoids and Chronic Anal Fissure Is Safe and Feasible

Background: Hemorrhoids and anal fissure are among the most common benign anorectal conditions. The incidence of synchronous symptomatic hemorrhoids and chronic anal fissure is unknown. In this study we evaluated the outcomes of our experience with concomitant surgical treatment for both these conditions. Methods: In this retrospective study we included consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids combined with lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure, during a time period of over 5 years. Eligible patients were contacted by phone and were asked to answer a questionnaire to evaluate recurrent symptoms, fecal incontinence, satisfaction, and improvement in quality-of-life. Results: A total of 56 patients were included, and 29 (51.8%) were female; the mean age was 46.9 ± 13.7 years, and the median follow-up time was 45.4 months. The median self-assessed improvement in quality-of-life on a scale of 0–10 was 10 [IQR 8, 10]. No significant differences were observed in satisfaction or self-assessed improvement in quality-of-life between genders or across different surgical procedures for hemorrhoids. Conclusions: Patients who underwent concomitant surgical treatment for hemorrhoids and chronic anal fissure were satisfied. This study supports our approach for synchronous treatment for different anorectal pathologies given the right patient selection, being safe and feasible.