Study on Use of Topical Diltiazem Versus Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate (Gtn) in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy, associated side effects in short term as well as long term use of topical Diltiazem and topical GTN in the management of chronic anal fissure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out patients records of 231 patients with chronic anal fissure who reported to hospital from August 2011 to August 2014 and treated were randomly selected for both types of management of which 118 patients had received topical 2% diltiazem and 113 were treated with 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate topical ointment thrice daily for 6 weeks. They were assessed at the time of presentation, then at the end of 1st week, 3rd week and at the end of 6 th week of treatment. Records of patients with anal fissure due to other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, sexually transmitted diseases, previous treatment with local ointment or surgery, patients who required anal surgery for any concurrent disease like hemorrhoids, pregnant women, patients with significant cardiovascular conditions and patients who did not turned up for follow up were excluded. Signs and symptoms and side-effects were noted at the given time. RESULTS: The study results are comparable to national figures and other studies. CONCLUSION: Topical application of both the ointments, 2% Diltiazem and 0.2% Glyceryl trinitrate observed to be quite effective in treatment of chronic fissure in Ano. However, topical Diltiazem is preferred to topical glyceryl trinitrate due to its lesser side effects and long term better control.