The long-term results of diltiazem treatment for anal fissure

The Effect of Topical Nifedipine versus Diltiazem on the Acute Anal Fissure: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The anal fissure is one of the most common anorectal diseases that is associated with reduced quality of life and productivity loss. We aimed to compare the efficacy of topical nifedipine and diltiazem for the treatment of acute anal fissure (AAF). Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ziaeian hospital, Tehran. Patients with an acute fissure diagnosis were allocated to two groups. Group A applied 3 grams of 0.3% nifedipine cream on the peri-anal area, three times a day, for 8 weeks. Group B also applied the same amount of 2% diltiazem-ointment on the peri-anal area for the same period. The primary outcome was fissure remission in the 8th week of the treatments. The duration of pain relief, the side effect of treatment, and the recurrence rate were also compared between the groups. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, a remission rate of 77.4% was shown in the nifedipine group which was significantly higher than the diltiazem group with a remission rate of 54% (P=0.01). Applying nifedipine ointment is associated with earlier pain relief compared with diltiazem (P<0.001). After 6 months of follow-up, the relapse rate was not statistically different between the nifedipine and diltiazem groups (16.3% versus 21.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The application of topical nifedipine is associated with shorter pain relief and more remission rate for AAF compared with topical diltiazem. However, both methods were not different in terms of related side effects and AAF recurrence rate.

Botulinum Toxin Injection Plus Topical Diltiazem for Chronic Anal Fissure: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial and Long-term Outcome

BACKGROUND

Chemical sphincterotomy avoids the risk of permanent incontinence in the treatment of chronic anal fissure, but it does not reach the efficacy of surgery and recurrence is high. Drug combination has been proposed to overcome these drawbacks.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the clinical, morphological, and functional effects of combined therapy with botulinum toxin injection and topical diltiazem in chronic anal fissure and to assess the long-term outcome after healing.

DESIGN

This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group trial with a long-term follow-up.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

A total of 70 consecutive patients were referred to the gastroenterology department of a hospital in Valencia, Spain.

INTERVENTION

After botulinum toxin injection (20 IU), patients were randomly assigned to local diltiazem (diltiazem group) or placebo gel (placebo group) for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was fissure healing (evaluated by video register by 3 independent physicians). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic relief (30-day diary), effect on anal sphincters (manometry), safety, and long-term recurrence (24 months and 10 years).

RESULTS

Healing was achieved per protocol in 13 of 25 (52%) patients of the diltiazem group and 11 of 30 (36.7%) patients of the placebo group (p = 0.25); on an intention-to-treat basis in 37.1% and 31.4% (p = 0.61). Both groups displayed significant reduction of anal pressures. Thirty percent reported minor and transitory incontinence, without differences between groups. Nine (69.2%) of the diltiazem group and 6 (54.5%) of the placebo group experienced a relapse at 24 months (p = 0.67). The overall recurrence rate at 10 years was 83.3% (20/24 patients).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by the loss of patients during the trial. The low healing rate led to a small cohort to assess recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined botulinum toxin injection and topical diltiazem is not superior to botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Both options offer suboptimal healing rates. Long-term recurrence is high (>80% at 10 years) and might appear at any time after healing. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B527.

INYECCIN DE TOXINA BOTULNICA MS DILTIAZEM TPICO EN FISURA ANAL CRNICA UN ENSAYO CLNICO ALEATORIZADO DOBLE CIEGO Y RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO

ANTECEDENTES:La esfinterotomía química evita el riesgo de incontinencia permanente en el tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica, pero no alcanza la eficacia de la cirugía y la recurrencia es alta. Se ha propuesto la combinación de fármacos para superar estos inconvenientes.OBJETIVO:Comparar los efectos clínicos, morfológicos y funcionales de la terapia combinada con inyección de toxina botulínica y diltiazem tópico en fisura anal crónica y evaluar el resultado a largo plazo después de la cicatrización.DISEÑO:Ensayo aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, de dos brazos, de grupos paralelos con un seguimiento a largo plazo.ESCENARIO:Estudio realizado en un centro de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Un total de 70 pacientes consecutivos referidos al servicio de gastroenterología de un hospital de Valencia, España.INTERVENCIÓN:Después de la inyección de toxina botulínica (20UI), los pacientes fueron asignados al azar a diltiazem local (grupo de diltiazem) o gel de placebo (grupo de placebo) durante 12 semanas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue la cicatrización de la fisura (evaluado por registro de video por tres médicos independientes). Los resultados secundarios incluyeron alivio sintomático (diario de 30 días), efecto sobre los esfínteres anales (manometría), seguridad y recurrencia a largo plazo (24 meses y 10 años).RESULTADOS:La curación se logró por protocolo en 13/25 (52%) en el grupo de Diltiazem y 11/30 (36,7%) en el grupo de Placebo (p = 0.25); por intención de tratar en el 37.1% y el 31.4%, respectivamente (p = 0.61). Ambos grupos mostraron una reducción significativa de las presiones anales. El 30% refirió incontinencia leve y transitoria, sin diferencias entre grupos. 9 (69.2%) del grupo de Diltiazem y 6 (54.5%) del grupo de placebo recurrieron a los 24 meses (p = 0.67). La tasa global de recurrencia a los 10 años fue del 83.3% (20/24 pacientes).LIMITACIONES:La pérdida de pacientes a lo largo del ensayo. La baja tasa de curación llevó a una pequeña cohorte para evaluar la recurrencia.CONCLUSIONES:La inyección combinada de toxina botulínica y diltiazem tópico no es superior a la inyección de TB en el tratamiento de la fisura anal crónica. Ambas opciones ofrecen tasas de curación subóptimas. La recurrencia a largo plazo es alta (> 80% a los 10 años) y puede aparecer en cualquier momento después de la curación. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B527.

ACG Clinical Guidelines: Management of Benign Anorectal Disorders

Benign anorectal disorders of structure and function are common in clinical practice. These guidelines summarize the preferred approach to the evaluation and management of defecation disorders, proctalgia syndromes, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal incontinence in adults and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. When the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, we used expert consensus to develop key concept statements. These guidelines should be considered as preferred but are not the only approaches to these conditions.

Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Topical Nifedipine and Diltiazem in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure

Background:

Chronic anal fissure is a common condition which is classically treated by surgery which may lead to incontinence. Recently medical treatment in form of calcium channel blockers (CCB) has gained interest.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of local Nifedipine and Diltiazem with lignocaine as control. We also aimed to observe the clinical pattern of chronic anal fissure.

Material and Method:

Patients of chronic anal fissure were divided into three groups. First group received topical Nifedipine, second received topical Diltiazem, and the control group received only local lignocaine for 1 month. Their clinical data was recorded. The intensity of pain and bleeding was assessed from a visual analogue score (VAS). On the 4^th week patients were examined for healing.

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical analysis was done by Medcalc statistical software v14. Student's t-test and Chi-square test was used accordingly.

Results:

Mean age was 35.89 with a male female ratio of 1.7:1. Most common clinical feature was pain (100%), followed by constipation, bleeding, and pruritus. Most common location was posterior. VAS scores for pain of the Nifedipine group and Diltiazem group was significantly better than control group (P < 0.0001). VAS scores for bleeding in the Nifedipine group (P = 0.0091) and Diltiazem group (P = 0.0045) was significantly better than control group. The healing rate for NFD group was 93.33% (P < 0.0001), that of DTZ group was 86.67% (P = 0.0002), which was statistically better than control group (36.67%). There was no significant difference between the two CCBs.

Conclusion:

Adding topical Nifedipine or Diltiazem in the treatment of anal fissure is far superior to treatment with only topical Lignocaine.

S3-Leitlinie: Analfissur

Die Analfissur ist eine der häufigsten Pathologien, welche sich dem Proktologen präsentiert. Entsprechend ist es wichtig, verlässliche Leitlinien dazu zu entwickeln. Die aktuelle Leitlinie wurde anhand eines systematischen Literaturreview von einem interdisziplinären Expertengremium diskutiert und verabschiedet.

Die akute Analfissur, soll auf Grund ihrer hohen Selbstheilungstendenz konservativ behandelt werden. Die Heilung wird am besten durch die Einnahme von Ballaststoff reicher Ernährung und einer medikamentösen Relaxation durch Kalziumkanal-Antagonisten (CCA) unterstützt. Zur Behandlung der chronischen Analfissur (CAF), soll den Patienten eine medikamentöse Behandlung zur „chemischen Sphinkterotomie“ mittels topischer CCA oder Nitraten angeboten werden. Bei Versagen dieser Therapie, kann zur Relaxation des inneren Analsphinkters Botulinumtoxin injiziert werden. Es ist belegt, dass die operativen Therapien effektiver sind. Deshalb kann eine Operation schon als primäre Therapie oder nach erfolgloser medikamentöser Therapie erfolgen. Die Fissurektomie, evtl. mit zusätzlicher Botulinumtoxin Injektion oder Lappendeckung, ist die Operation der Wahl. Obwohl die laterale Internus Sphinkterotomie die CAF effektiver heilt, bleibt diese wegen dem höheren Risiko für eine postoperative Stuhlinkontinenz eine Option für Einzelfälle.

Partial lateral internal sphincterotomy versus combined botulinum toxin A injection and topical diltiazem in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and complications associated with combined topical diltiazem cream and botulinum toxin A injection versus partial lateral internal sphincterotomy in chronic anal fissure.

DESIGN

This study is a parallel, randomized controlled trial (using the block randomization method).

SETTING

This study was performed at a university hospital in Iran.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-nine patients who had chronic anal fissures were included.

INTERVENTION

A total of 99 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups; the first group received combined topical diltiazem ointment (for 6 weeks) and botulinum toxin A injection (once) (n = 49), and the second group received partial lateral internal sphincterotomy (n = 50). All the patients were followed up for 1 year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were the healing of the anal fissure and the development of incontinence as the major adverse event during the 1-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

The overall healing rate was 65% and 94% in the botulinum toxin A-diltiazem and partial lateral internal sphincterotomy groups (p < 0.001). The patients in the partial lateral internal sphincterotomy group experienced significantly higher incontinence scores (p = 0.04) according to the Cleveland Clinic Florida-Fecal Incontinence scoring system. In patients who had chronic anal fissure for ≤12 months, no statistical difference was observed in the healing rate between the botulinum toxin A-diltiazem and partial lateral internal sphincterotomy groups (100% vs 100%). However, in the patients with longer chronic fissures, the healing rate was significantly higher in the partial lateral internal sphincterotomy group (86% [18/21] vs 23% [5/21], p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

The 1-year follow-up period, subjective definitions of itching, and lack of anorectal manometry examinations and data regarding the effect of each treatment on anal sphincter pressure at rest and contraction are the key limitations of this study.

CONCLUSION

Combined botulinum toxin A injection with a topical application of diltiazem could be as effective as partial lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure in patients who have chronic anal fissure for ≤12 months. However, in chronic anal fissures of longer duration, partial lateral internal sphincterotomy is associated with a significantly higher cure rate.

A Comparative Study of Lateral Sphincterotomy and 2% Diltiazem Gel Local Application in the Treatment of Chronic Fissure in ANO

INTRODUCTION

Anal fissures are commonly encountered in routine clinical practice. Anal fissure has traditionally been treated surgically. Developments in the pharmacological understanding of the internal anal sphincter have resulted in more conservative approaches towards treatment. In this study we compare symptomatic relief, healing and side effects of topical 2% Diltiazem gel and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic fissure in ano.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective trial, 60 surgical out patients and/or admitted patients with chronic fissure in ano were randomly divided into Group 1 (Diltiazem gel) and Group 2 (internal sphincterotomy) with 30 patients in each Group. Patients were followed up at weekly intervals for six consecutive weeks and biweekly for subsequent 3 months.

RESULTS

Fissure was completely healed in 88.46% of patients in Group 1 and in 100% in Group 2. The mean duration required for healing of fissure was 5.04 weeks in Group 1 and 3.6 weeks in Group 2. 78.26% patients were free from pain in Group 1 whereas 85.18% patients were free from pain in Group 2. No patient had any side effects in either group.

CONCLUSION

Topical Diltiazem should be considered as first line treatment in chronic fissure in ano. Internal sphincterotomy should be reserved for patients with relapse and therapeutic failure to prior pharmacological treatment.

A transition metal-free tandem process to pyridazinopyrido[3,2-f][1,4]thiazepine-diones via Smiles rearrangement

A transition metal-free methodology for the synthesis of pyridazinopyrido[3,2-f][1,4]thiazepine-diones was studied. The construction of this tricyclic system went through a one-pot coupling/Smiles rearrangement/cyclization process. The high yields of pure products were obtained through simple recrystallization.

Choice of treatments for anal fissure

Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is one of the most common and painful proctologic diseases. Its treatment has long been discussed and several different therapeutic options have been proposed. The understanding of its pathophysiology has led to a progressive reduction of invasive and potentially invalidating treatments in favor of conservative treatment. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is a surgical treatment that is considered the 'gold standard' therapy for CAF. It relieves CAF symptoms with a high rate of healing. The risk of incontinence after this procedure seems to be severe. Chemical sphincterotomy (CS) is safe, with the rapid relief of pain, no risk of surgery or anesthesia, but is a statistically less effective therapy for CAF than LIS. In recent years, fissurectomy coupled with CS has been demonstrated to be a satisfactory treatment for chronic anal fissure and an alternative to lateral sphincterotomy when conservative measures fail.

Comparison of observational and controlled clinical trials of diltiazem in the treatment of chronic anal fissure

Diltiazem has been extensively studied in the treatment of chronic anal fissures, but efficacy in clinical practice is not fully established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical application diltiazem in observational studies as well as in controlled clinical trials in the treatment of chronic anal fissures. A systematic literature search was carried out from 1966 to 31 December, 2007 on PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane database, using the appropriate search words. We found six observational studies with 392 patients and five controlled clinical trials with 289 patients in which topical diltiazem treatment was given. Efficacy was found to be very high in observational studies (56.88%), whereas it was found to be modest in controlled clinical trials (29.41%). In observational studies, most of the patients reported complete healing of fissures within 6-12 weeks, whereas in controlled trials healing was reported within 8 weeks, with tolerable adverse effects of diltiazem. On the basis of the above studies, it can be concluded that topical application of diltiazem is useful in the treatment of chronic anal fissure, but to fully establish its efficacy, larger prospective double-blind study is required in the near future.

The management of patients with primary chronic anal fissure: a position paper

Anal fissure is one of the most common and painful proctologic diseases. Its treatment has long been discussed and several different therapeutic options have been proposed. In the last decades, the understanding of its pathophysiology has led to a progressive reduction of invasive and potentially invalidating treatments in favor of conservative treatment based on anal sphincter muscle relaxation. Despite some systematic reviews and an American position statement, there is ongoing debate about the best treatment for anal fissure. This review is aimed at identifying the best treatment option drawing on evidence-based medicine and on the expert advice of 6 colorectal surgeons with extensive experience in this field in order to produce an Italian position statement for anal fissures. While there is little chance of a cure with conservative behavioral therapy, medical treatment with calcium channel blockers, diltiazem and nifepidine or glyceryl trinitrate, had a considerable success rate ranging from 50 to 90%. Use of 0.4% glyceryl trinitrate in standardized fashion seems to have the best results despite a higher percentage of headache, while the use of botulinum toxin had inconsistent results. Nonresponding patients should undergo lateral internal sphincterotomy. The risk of incontinence after this procedure seems to have been overemphasized in the past. Only a carefully selected group of patients, without anal hypertonia, could benefit from anoplasty.

A randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of topical diltiazem on posthaemorrhoidectomy pain

AIM

Spasm of the internal anal sphincter plays a role in haemorrhoidal disease and may be a source of anal pain after haemorrhoid surgery. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical diltiazem (DTZ) on postoperative pain following Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy.

METHOD

After haemorrhoidectomy, 33 patients were randomly assigned to receive DTZ ointment (2%; n = 16) or a placebo ointment (n = 17). Ointments were applied to the perianal region three times daily for 7 days. A Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess postoperative pain. The primary end-point was reduction in postoperative pain.

RESULTS

Patients using the DTZ cream had significantly less pain and greater benefit than those in the placebo group throughout the first postoperative week, and total and daily narcotic analgesic use was higher in the placebo group. There were no differences in morbidity between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Perianal application of DTZ cream after haemorrhoidectomy significantly reduces postoperative pain and is perceived as beneficial, with no increase in associated morbidity.

Comparison of controlled-intermittent anal dilatation and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissures: a prospective, randomized study

AIM

The results of controlled-intermittent anal dilatation (CIAD) or lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) in the treatment of chronic anal fissures are presented.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty patients who were randomized to two groups underwent CIAD or a LIS. The pre- and post-operative mean anal canal resting pressures (MACRPs) and symptoms were recorded and the results were compared.

RESULTS

Two months post-operatively, 18 patients in the CIAD group and 17 patients in the LIS group had healed completely, and had no anal incontinence or other complications. The post-operative improvement in pain, bleeding, and constipation did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the CIAD and LIS groups, the pre-operative MACRPs were 89.7+/-16.5 and 87.6+/-12.3 mmHg, respectively; 2 months post-operatively, the MACRPs had significantly decreased to 76.9+/-13.7 and 78.1+/-11.3 mmHg in the CIAD and LIS groups, respectively. No statistical difference existed in the pre- or post-treatment MACRPs between the groups.

CONCLUSION

CIAD applied with a standardized technique reduced anal canal resting pressure and provided symptomatic healing that was equivalent to a LIS. Since there were no findings of incontinence, or situations which resulted in sphincter damage, we conclude that CIAD is suitable for patients with chronic anal fissures because it is less invasive than LIS, with equivalent efficacy and safety. In addition, the CIAD method may be an alternative procedure in older and multiparous women who has a higher risk of incontinence.

Continence disorders after anal surgery--a relevant problem?

SUBJECT

Anal incontinence is a well-known and feared complication following surgery involving the anal sphincter, particularly if partial transection of the sphincter is part of the surgical procedure.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed to evaluate the risk of postoperative incontinence following anal dilatation, lateral sphincterotomy, surgery for haemorrhoidal disease and anal fistula.

RESULTS

Various degrees of anal incontinence are reported with frequencies as follows: anal dilatation 0-50%, lateral sphincterotomy 0-45%, haemorrhoidal surgery 0-28%, lay open technique of anal fistula 0-64% and plastic repair of fistula 0-43%. Results vary considerably depending on what definition of "incontinence" was applied. The most important risk factors for postoperative incontinence are female sex, advanced age, previous anorectal interventions, childbirth and type of anal surgery (sphincter division). Sphincter lesions have been reported following procedures as minimal as exploration of the anal canal via speculum.

CONCLUSIONS

Continence disorders after anal surgery are not uncommon and the result of the additive effect of various factors. Certain risk factors should be considered before choosing the operative procedure. Since options for surgical repair of postoperative incontinence disorders are limited, careful indications and minimal trauma to the anal sphincter are mandatory in anal surgery.

Hemorrhoids and fissure in ano

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common benign anorectal conditions that form a significant part of a colorectal surgeon's workload. This review summarizes and evaluates the current techniques available in their management.