Results of the national survey on the treatment of chronic anal fissure in Spanish hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of chronic anal fissure (FAC) differs depending on the professional. To come to a consensus, the current situation in Spain should be studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current situation of the management of FAC in Spanish hospitals.

METHODS: Descriptive study, with data from a survey of surgeons of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology. Data was collected according to the doctor's autonomous community, type of hospital and professional category; FAC management data and 3 clinical cases.

RESULTS: Response was obtained from 152 surgeons. Pharmacological measures stand out as the first therapeutic step (93.38%). In patients with hypertonia and with no risk factors for fecal incontinence (FI), 55.9% use hygienic-dietary measures associated with nitroglycerin ointment (MHG+NTG). The second step is internal lateral sphincterotomy (ELI) (43.4%). MHG+NTG (75.7%) is used in patients with FI risk factors and in case of failure, ELI is used with a prior ultrasound and/or manometry. In young patients with unexplained hypertonia and incapacitating proctalgia with no risk factors for FI, MHG+NTG (55.9%) is used and, if it is not successful, they are treated with ELI (46.1%).

CONCLUSIONS: The management of FAC in Spain shows similarities with the international guideline suggestions. Nevertheless, some differences can be seen from the first stages of treatment.