Sphincterotomy

Sphincterotomy at Ashtead Hospital

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is an operation to treat anal fissures. An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the skin lining your anus, inside your back passage.

Ramsay Health Care UK recognises that an anal fissure is a common condition that causes a lot of pain. If alternative treatments have not worked, then surgery will be the best option for you.

Our surgeons are available to discuss the best treatment options for your anal fissure. We have convenient and flexible appointments at times and hospital locations to suit you, so we can arrange swift treatment without waiting and relieve your pain as soon as possible. We regularly perform the gold standard anal fissure treatment, called lateral internal sphincterotomy, at our hospitals.

We have strict protocols in place to keep you safe when visiting one of our Ramsay Health Care hospitals.

What is a lateral internal sphincterotomy?

A lateral internal sphincterotomy is considered the gold standard for treating chronic anal fissures.

Lateral internal sphincterotomy surgery helps an anal fissure to heal and relieves its symptoms such as severe pain and bleeding especially after a bowel movement.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and involves cutting your anal sphincter. The anal sphincter is a circular group of muscles that control your bowel movements. Releasing the sphincterotomy muscle of your anus, reduces tension and allows your anal fissure to heal.

A lateral sphincterotomy takes about 15 minutes. It has a very high success rate. However, incontinence can be a complication after this procedure.

What happens after lateral internal sphincterotomy?

As a lateral internal sphincterotomy is a day case procedure, you can go home the same day once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you should not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

You can expect to have some discomfort after the operation. Simple pain relief will help. It is recommended that you have a bath the day after your operation to help soak away any dressing and to keep your anus area clean. You may have a small amount of bleeding in the bath.

You may also have a little mucous discharge from your back passage for the first few days. A small pad or panty liner will prevent staining your underwear.

Is a sphincterotomy permanent?

Yes, a sphincterotomy is permanent. It is surgery to permanently release the sphincter muscle of your anus.

What is the recovery process after a lateral internal sphincterotomy?

The recovery time and process will vary from patient to patient but you can expect to return to work after just a few days.

You should try to take a bath or shower after every time you open your bowels in the first few days after your lateral internal sphincterotomy operation. After that you can wipe your anal area using damp cotton wool.

There may be a little blood with your poo or on the toilet paper for seven to ten days afterwards.

You will find it more comfortable to have bowel movements if your poo is soft. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fibre diet with fruit, vegetables, pulses and bran. You may be given a laxative to take home that makes your stools softer.

What is the cost of a lateral internal sphincterotomy procedure?

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation and any required tests with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your lateral internal sphincterotomy surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Lateral internal sphincterotomy surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

If you are paying for your lateral sphincterotomy yourself, we have a number of finance options to choose from:

  • Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
  • All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
  • Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

Ashtead Hospital Specialists

You're in control

Flexible payment options

to suit you

payment-plan-icon

0% Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.

Find out more
self-funding-icon

Self-funding Patients

We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.

Find out more
medical-insurance

Private Medical Insurance

Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.

Find out more

Related Treatments

Elective Splenectomy

The main reasons for having an elective (non-emergency) splenectomy are associated with problems with your blood. A splenectomy may also be recommended because of problems that can cause your spleen to get bigger.

Find out more

Removal of Skin Lesions

Surgical removal of skin lesions such as cysts, lipoma, skin tags and moles.

Find out more
Anti Reflux Surgery

Anti Reflux Surgery

Anti reflux surgery is performed to stop acid reflux that can cause chronic heartburn and inflammation and damage to your oesophagus lining.

Find out more

Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose vein surgery treats varicose veins for medical or cosmetic reasons. Varicose vein surgery involves closing off your problem varicose vein so that your blood re-routes through a healthier vein.

Find out more

Incisional Hernia Repair

Incisional hernia repair is open surgery that reopens the old wound to allow the hernia to be returned to its rightful place and the weak area to be reinforced. 

Find out more

Cholecystectomy (Gallstones) Surgery

A cholecystectomy is a surgery to treat gallstones and the complications they cause and involves removing your gallbladder.

Find out more

Latest from Ashtead Hospital

Helen Maguire MP Visits Ramsay UK’s Ashtead Hospital to See Partnership in Action in the Healthcare Sector

Helen Maguire MP Visits Ramsay UK’s Ashtead Hospital to See Partnership in Action in the Healthcare Sector

Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom and Ewell, Helen Maguire, visited Ramsay UK’s Ashtead Hospital to see first-hand how it is helping to deliver better outcomes for local patients. 

Find out more
Pioneering Global Ophthalmic Surgery

Pioneering Global Ophthalmic Surgery

UKISCRS celebrates 75 years of pioneering global ophthalmic surgery, with Ashtead's Professor Paul Ursell, UKISCRS President.

Find out more
Ashtead Hospital named as a National Joint Registry

Ashtead Hospital named as a National Joint Registry

After successfully completing a national program of local data audits, we are thrilled to have been recognised and named as a NJR Quality Data Provider. 

Find out more
View More
Paying for yourself?

Get in touch

Need some advice on a treatment price or booking an initial appointment?

We're here to help.

BOOK ONLINE

Or send us a message...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Important Information

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material, contained on this website is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

No warranty or guarantee is made that the information contained on this website is complete or accurate in every respect. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. Prior patient results are only provided as examples of what may be achievable. Individual results will vary and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo use or any statement on this website.

Ramsay Health Care UK is not currently recruiting for any roles based outside of England. If you are interested in applying for a role with Ramsay Health Care UK, please note that all available positions are advertised exclusively on our official website: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers. Be cautious of individuals or organisations that approach you directly for remotely-based roles. Always verify the authenticity of the job offer and be careful with whom you share your personal information. For more information and advice on employment fraud, please visit: https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/careers/recruitment-fraud