Presidential address. Lateral subcutaneous internal anal sphincterotomy for anal fissure.

AN ANAL FISSURE is ai1 ulcer of t h e a n a l canal which may extend from the anal verge to the dentate line. It is usually exquisitely painful, so the best treatment is that which is the most expedient but also provides negli#ble recurrence and minimal disability of anal function. Lateral subcutaneous internal anal sphincterotomy best fulfills these criteria and we strongly recommend it as the primary operation for anal fissure.