Topical treatments for anal fissure
Date Added:
January 28, 2023
Journal/Publication:
Canadian Family Physician
Publisher:
College of Family Physicians of Canada
Publication Date:
January 1, 2023
Issue:
1
Volume:
69
Pages:
33
Type:
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format:
Article
DOI (1):
10.46747/cfp.690133
PMID (1):
36693740
Abstract
Clinical question
How effective are topical treatments (calcium channel blockers [CCBs], nitrates, and vitamin E) for
chronic anal fissures in adults?
Bottom line
Healing rates with topical nitroglycerin are roughly
60% versus 40% with placebo at 8 weeks. Topical
CCBs are at least as good as nitroglycerin, with a
lower risk of headache (7% versus 56%). Based on
1 RCT, topical vitamin E may be superior to nitroglycerin (86% versus 66% healed at 8 weeks).
Text Availability
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RPR Commentary
A summary of the effectiveness of various typical treatments of patients with anal fissures. James W. Mold, MD, MPH