Topical Diltiazem Versus Topical Nitroglycerin in Anal Fissure

Anal fissure is a crack or tear in the squamous epithelium of the anus located just distal to the mucocutaneous junction that may progress to form a chronic linear ulcer. Its a common and painful condition but is usually dismissed as a minor complaint. Traditionally treated by surgery but the trend today is towards painless and easy treatment modalities. In this context, topical ointments such as Diltiazem and Nitroglycerin have been used. But the debate has always been on that which agent is superior and should be the preferred one. This study tries to provide an answer and establishes the usefulness of topical ointments in treatment of anal fissure. It further establishes that such is the effect of topical ointments that surgery may become almost obsolete modality in the treatment of anal fissure.