Topical Lignocaine with Diltiazem or Glyceryltrinitrate for Paediatric Acute Anal Fissure: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Anal fissure is a common problem in children, the exact etiology of which is unknown and it mostly presents with painful defecation and bleeding per rectum. The standard treatment of anal fissure is lateral internal sphincterotomy but due to risk of fecal incontinence chemical sphincterotomy is used as alternative to surgical sphincterotomy.

Aims & Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of topical diltiazem and lignocaine with glyceryl trinitrate and lignocaine in relieving of symptoms and healing of acute anal fissure in children.

Place and duration of study: This study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore & Department of Paediatric Surgery, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore from September 2017 to September 2018.

Material & Methods: Total 228 children were enrolled in the study and randomly divided in group A and B, 114 children in each group. Group A received topical 2% diltiazem cream and 2% lignocaine gel, while group B received topical 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate and 2% lignocaine gel, applied locally, twice daily.

Results: There were 78(68.4%) male children in group A and 66(57.9%) in group B. All patients completed 6 week treatment course. The symptoms and condition of the anal fissure were evaluated before start of treatment and at subsequent follow up periods. In group A 55 (48.2%) cases completely healed by second week, while in group B, 33 (28.9%) cases healed. The number of completely healed cases at 4 weeks follow up in group A and group B were 91 (79.8%) and 69(60.5%) respectively, while at week 6 follow up this rate was 95 (83.3%) and 73 (64.0%) respectively. Symptomatic relief in painful defecation observed in group A and group B was 74(64.9%) and 55(48.2%) at week 2, 95(83.3%) and 74(64.9%) at week 4 while 95(83.3%) and 77(67.5%) at week 6 in two groups respectively.

Conclusion: Use of combination of topical diltiazem and lignocaine for the treatment of acute anal fissure in paediatric population is preferred over combination of glyceryl trinitrate and lignocaine.