English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Fistula-in-ano or anal fistulas are documented since ancient times and their management has always been a challenge. Various modalities of treatment are available and newer ones are being added each day. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the outcome of the video assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), one of the modalities of treatment for complex anal fistulas done at our centre. METHODS Records of patients who had been treated through VAAFT by single senior consultant surgeon of Minimal Access Surgery unit between April 2013 and March 2019, were collected and analysed. RESULTS Altogether, records of 48 (forty-eight) patients who had undergone VAAFT during the period were analysed. Data revealed that 38 male (79.17 %) and 10 female (20.83 %) patients with mean age of 49.96 ± 12.22 years were operated. Most commonly, trans sphincteric followed by inter sphincteric type of fistulae were encountered. In 3 cases, internal opening couldn’t be visualised. Six patients were documented to have a recurrence within 6 months of the procedure and in the rest were cured except in a small subset of patients who did not follow up. CONCLUSIONS Amongst the wide range of armamentarium available today for the treatment of complex anal fistulas, video assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is a novel sphincter saving technique. The recurrence rate at our centre was at par with other studies and with zero incontinence rate, however further RCTs are required. KEYWORDS Complex Anal Fistula, Fistula-in-Ano, MEINERO Fistuloscope, VAAFT