Effects of warm water sitz bath on symptoms in post-anal sphincterotomy in chronic anal fissure--a randomized and controlled study

Authors: Gupta PJ (1)
Affiliations:
(1) Gupta Nursing Home
Source: World J Surg. 2007 Jul;31(7):1480-4
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-007-9096-1 Publication date: 2007 Jul E-Publication date: May 30, 2007 Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: drpjg_ngp@sancharnet.in

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND:

Sitz bath is frequently recommended by physicians for a variety of anal disorders including anal fissure. The aim of the present study was to determine whether sitz bath does have any therapeutic properties improving upon a patient's postoperative symptoms after a closed lateral sphincterotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive analgesics and fiber supplement alone (control patients) or a twice-daily sitz bath along with identical fiber and analgesics (sitz bath group). A 24-h pain score--post-defecation anal burning and symptom improvement--was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS:

The groups were equally matched for age, gender distribution, and duration of disease. No significant difference in mean pain score between groups (p = 0.284) was noticed after one week. However, the patients from the control group experienced significant anal burning compared with patients from sitz bath group (p < 0.0001). The improvement score was higher in the sitz bath group when compared with the control group; however, it did not reached a statistically significant level.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients after sphincterotomy for anal fissure receiving sitz bath experienced similar levels of pain when compared with those not receiving sitz bath. However, they reported a significant relief in anal burning and a marginally better satisfaction score and no reported adverse side effects.

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