Evaluation of Different Sitz Bath Methods as a Treatment Modality in Acute Anal Fissure

Abstract

Background: Conservative management of anal fissure mainly involves Sitz Bath as a treatment modality. Considering the controversies in the application of Sitz bath in treatment of anal fissure, lack of adequate scientific evidence, this study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of Sitz Bath as a treatment modality. Aim & Objectives: The study evaluates the efficacy of Sitz Bath in the treatment of acute anal fissure with respect to pain relief, patient satisfaction, healing of lesions and overall improvement in symptomatology, as well as to assess its effect on the Quality of Life of these patients. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 60 patients of acute anal fissure carried out over 2 years with three groups - Group A1 (Warm Sitz Bath with analgesics and high fiber diet), Group A2 (Cold Sitz Bath with analgesics and high fiber diet) and Group B (Analgesics and high fiber diet alone). Results: The evaluation parameters were: assessment of pain, patient satisfaction score and improvement in symptomatology. Warm sitz bath resulted in significant reduction in pain scores, greater improvement in symptomatology and patient satisfaction scores. Conclusion: An overall improvement in symptomatology is evident with the use of warm sitz bath, thereby giving more patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• Anal spasm
• Anal Sphincter
• Hip bath
• Thermo-sphincteric Reflex