Aa
Spasms after Sphincterotomy
Hi,
I had a sphincterotomy today to treat a stubborn anal fissure (I had attempted non-surgical treatments for over one year prior with no success). It has now been several hours after my surgery, and I have been experiencing constant involuntary spasms in my sphincter. I am also experiencing these spams whenever I take deep breaths. The spasms are not painful, as I am taking Vicodin for pain due to the surgery. However, I am concerned because I thought that the whole point of the sphincterotomy was to relax the sphincter muscle so as to prevent these spasms from occurring. My question is simple: Is it normal to be experiencing these symptoms shortly after a sphincterotomy (i.e. could this be a short-term side-effect of having the sphincter muscle cut), or is there cause for concern here? I am a 27 year old male, otherwise healthy. Please advise if you require any more information. Thank you.
Recovering
I had a sphincterotomy today to treat a stubborn anal fissure (I had attempted non-surgical treatments for over one year prior with no success). It has now been several hours after my surgery, and I have been experiencing constant involuntary spasms in my sphincter. I am also experiencing these spams whenever I take deep breaths. The spasms are not painful, as I am taking Vicodin for pain due to the surgery. However, I am concerned because I thought that the whole point of the sphincterotomy was to relax the sphincter muscle so as to prevent these spasms from occurring. My question is simple: Is it normal to be experiencing these symptoms shortly after a sphincterotomy (i.e. could this be a short-term side-effect of having the sphincter muscle cut), or is there cause for concern here? I am a 27 year old male, otherwise healthy. Please advise if you require any more information. Thank you.
Recovering
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear recoveringfiss,
It's true that the aim of sphincterotomy is to relieve muscle spasm. However a complete sphincterotomy will lead to incontinence and hence some sphicter preserving may have been done. Further the area of surgery involves the perianal skin which is highly sensitive as it is supplied by somatic nerves. Some amount of discomfort (which may be perceived as spasm) is normal upto a week after surgery. A well done sphicterotomy usually heals the fissure . A soft stool during this period will help. Hence use some laxatives, take high fiber diet and have sitz bath once your surgeon allows it.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Poorna Chandra.
It's true that the aim of sphincterotomy is to relieve muscle spasm. However a complete sphincterotomy will lead to incontinence and hence some sphicter preserving may have been done. Further the area of surgery involves the perianal skin which is highly sensitive as it is supplied by somatic nerves. Some amount of discomfort (which may be perceived as spasm) is normal upto a week after surgery. A well done sphicterotomy usually heals the fissure . A soft stool during this period will help. Hence use some laxatives, take high fiber diet and have sitz bath once your surgeon allows it.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.
Best Regards,
Dr. Poorna Chandra.
Update: I have now removed the gauze pad. Spasms are still occurring.
Effect*
I forgot to mention- I currently have a gauze pad taped inside to deal with the bleeding post-op. Would this have an affect? Thanks.
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