Fistula Healing Rate Research Articles

Perianal disease in inflammatory bowel disease: Broadening treatment and surveillance strategies for anal cancer.

The perianal disease affects up to one-third of individuals with Crohn's disease (CD), causing disabling symptoms and significant impairment in quality of life, particularly for those with perianal fistulising CD (PFCD). The collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons is essential for addressing PFCD to achieve fistula closure and promote luminal healing. Limited fistula healing rates with conventional therapies have prompted the emergence of new biological agents, endoscopic procedures and surgical techniques that show promising results. Among these, mesenchymal stem cells injection is a particularly hopeful therapy. In addition to the burden of fistulas, individuals with perianal CD may face an increased risk of developing anal cancer. This underscores the importance of surveillance programmes and timely interventions to prevent late diagnoses and poor outcomes. Currently, there is no established formal anal screening programme. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the art in managing PFCD, including novel medical, endoscopic and surgical approaches. The discussion also focuses on the relevance of establishing an anal cancer screening programme in CD, intending to propose a risk-based surveillance algorithm. The validation of this surveillance programme would be a significant step forward in improving patient care and outcomes.

Long-Term Outcome of Surgery for Perianal Crohn's Fistula.

Background and Objectives: Patients with perianal Crohn's (CD) fistula often need repetitive surgeries and none of the established techniques was shown to be superior or preferable. Furthermore, the long-term outcome of fistula Seton drainage is not well described. The aims of this study were to analyze the long-term healing and recurrence rate of CD perianal fistulas in a large patient cohort. Materials and Methods: Database analysis of the Swiss IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) cohort study. Results: 365 perianal fistula patients with 576 surgical interventions and a median follow-up of 7.5 years (0-12.6) were analyzed. 39.7% of patients required more than one procedure. The first surgical interventions were fistulectomies ± mucosal sliding flap (59.2%), Seton drainage (29.6%), fistula plugs or fibrin glue installations (2.5%) and combined procedures (8.8%). Fistulectomy patients required no more surgery in 69%, one additional surgery in 25% and more than one additional surgery in 6%, with closure rates at 7.5 years follow-up of 77.1%, 74.1% and 66.7%, respectively. In patients with Seton drainage as index surgery, 52% required no more surgery, and over 75% achieved fistula closure after 10 years. Conclusions: First-line fistulectomies, when feasible, achieved the highest healing rates, but one-third of patients required additional surgeries, and one-fourth of patients will remain with a fistula at 10 years. Initial Seton drainage and concurrent medical therapy can achieve fistula closure in 75%. However, in 50% of patients, more surgeries are needed, and fistula closure is achieved in only two-thirds of patients.

P547 Improved clinical and radiologic healing of Crohn’s perianal fistulas using a novel coordinated care model optimising medical and surgical treatments: A prospective real-world observational study

Abstract Background Despite best standard care, sustained healing rates of Crohn’s perianal fistulas remain low. A novel coordinated multi-disciplinary care model optimising medical and surgical treatment was established with the aim to improve fistula healing rates. Methods A prospective real-world observational study evaluated the efficacy of this new care model in adults with Crohn’s perianal fistulas. Patients seen through the new care model were sequentially invited to participate, between March 2021 to April 2022, and included irrespective of disease activity, duration, or prior treatments. Three dynamic stages of care were directed towards patients’ clinical disease activity: stage A, active disease, focused on medical and surgical treatment optimisation; stage B, optimised treatments with a seton in situ, focused on definitive surgical management; and stage C, healed disease, focused on treatment maintenance. Endpoints included: [1] clinical fistula healing after a minimum of 12 months follow-up; [2] changes in radiologic disease activity and fibrosis on serial magnetic resonance imaging; and [3] proportion of patients requiring treatment optimisation. Results Sixty patients were included. At baseline, 47% were in stage A, 5% stage B, and 48% stage C. Median age was 40 years (IQR: 32-49), 52% were male, median perianal disease duration was 9 years (IQR: 2-16), and median attendance through the preexisting service was 6 years (IQR: 3-9). After a median of 22 months follow-up (IQR: 16-25), 83% had clinical healing which was significantly higher than baseline rates at study inclusion (83 vs 48%, p<0.001). For patients in stage A at baseline, 68% achieved clinical healing with estimated clinical healing rates of 39% (95%CI: 24-60) and 85% (95%CI: 64-97) at 1 and 2 years, respectively. This paralleled a significant reduction in radiologic disease activity and increase in radiologic fibrosis, with radiologic remission observed in 51% and radiologic response in 47% overall (Table 1). Patients who achieved clinical healing had significantly less radiologic disease activity and greater fibrosis compared to patients with non-healing fistulas. Overall, 53% had biologic dose escalation and 10% switched to an alternative biologic agent with the new care model. Thirty-seven percent underwent a median of two perianal surgical interventions (IQR: 1-3), 15% had closure or ablative techniques performed, and 15% had seton removal only. Conclusion A novel coordinated multi-disciplinary care model optimising medical and surgical treatments resulted in high rates of clinical healing and improved radiologic disease activity and fibrosis of Crohn’s perianal fistulas. Controlled-matched studies evaluating treatment optimisation are needed.

Multi-national observational study to assess quality of life and treatment preferences in patients with Crohn's perianal fistulas.

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at risk of developing complications such as perianal fistulas. Patients with Crohn's perianal fistulas (CPF) are affected by fecal incontinence (FI), bleeding, pain, swelling, and purulent perianal discharge, and generally face a higher treatment burden than patients with CD without CPF. To gain insights into the burden of illness/quality of life in patients with CPF and their treatment preferences and satisfaction. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients with CD aged 21-90 years via a web-enabled questionnaire in seven countries (April-August 2021). Patients were recruited into three cohorts: Cohort 1 included patients without perianal fistulas; cohort 2 included patients with perianal fistulas without fistula-related surgery; and cohort 3 included patients with perianal fistulas and fistula-related surgery. Validated patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess quality of life. Drivers of treatment preferences were measured using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). In total, 929 patients were recruited (cohort 1, n = 620; cohort 2, n = 174; cohort 3, n = 135). Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores were worse for patients with CPF (cohorts 2 and 3) than for those with CD without CPF (cohort 1): Mean score 3.8 and 3.7 vs 4.1, respectively, (P < 0.001). Similarly, mean Revised FI and FI Quality of Life scores were worse for patients with CPF than for those with CD without CPF. Quality of Life with Anal Fistula scores were similar in patients with CPF with or without CPF-related surgery (cohorts 2 and 3): Mean score 41 and 42, respectively. In the DCE, postoperative discomfort and fistula healing rate were the most important treatment attributes influencing treatment choice: Mean relative importance 35.7 and 24.7, respectively. The burden of illness in CD is significantly higher for patients with CPF and patients rate lower postoperative discomfort and higher healing rates as the most desirable treatment attributes.

Analysis on the efficacy of dual vein induction therapy of Ustekinumab in complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

Objectives: To analyze the efficacy of dual vein induction therapy of Ustekinumab (UST) in complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD). Methods: Clinical data of patients diagnosed with complex PFCD in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. After sufficient single intravenous infusion of UST (6 mg/kg) at week 0 and 8, every patient received single subcutaneous injection of UST 90 mg every 8 weeks for maintenance treatment. At week 8, 16, and 22-26, clinical outcomes of anal fistula were evaluated using perianal disease activity index (PDAI), and overall activity of the patients was evaluated using Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI). At week 22-26, Van Assche Index (VAI) was used to evaluate imaging outcome of anal fistula, and simplified endoscopic score of Crohn's disease (SES-CD) was employed to assess intestinal outcome events. The above indexes were compared in the patients before and after UST treatment. PFCD patients were divided into first-line UST treatment group and non first-line UST treatment group according to whether first-line UST treatment was used, the differences in anal fistula response rate and remission rate, intestinal response rate and remission rate as well as overall activity response rate and remission rate were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 60 PFCD patients were included, including 46 males and 14 females, aged [M (Q1, Q3)] 25.0 (20.8, 30.0) years old. The clinical response rates of anal fistula [41.7% (25/60), 55.0% (33/60) and 63.3% (38/60), respectively, P=0.056] and the clinical remission rates of anal fistula [21.7% (13/60), 31.7% (19/60) and 43.3% (26/60), respectively, P=0.002] gradually increased at week 8, 16, 22-26. The overall activity response rates [53.3% (32/60), 70.0% (42/60), 83.3% (50/60), respectively, P=0.040] and the overall activity response rates [41.7% (25/60), 61.7% (37/60), 75.0% (45/60), respectively, P=0.001] also gradually increased at week 8, 16, 22-26. At week 22-26, the partial response rate and fistula healing rate of anal fistula imaging were 45.0% (27/60) and 38.3% (23/60), respectively. The endoscopic response rate and endoscopic response rate were 73.7% (44/60) and 45.0% (27/60), respectively. The endoscopic response rate of patients receiving first-line UST treatment [23 males and 8 females, aged 22.0 (21.0, 39.0) years] was higher than that of patients receiving non first-line UST treatment[23 males and 6 females, aged 26.5 (20.0, 30.0) years,87.1% vs 58.6%, P=0.013]. Conclusion: The dual vein induction therapy of UST could effectively improve the clinical efficacy in patients with complex PFCD.

Trocar puncture with modified sump drainage for duodenal stump fistula after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A retrospective controlled study

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) is a serious complication of radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Herein, we illustrated an innovative choice for treating duodenal stump fistulas by placing a modified sump drainage through trocar puncture into the DSF-related abscess (DSF-abscess) cavity. We retrospectively analyzed 974 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2011 and 2021. Of these patients, 34 who developed postoperative duodenal stump fistulas postoperatively were enrolled into our study, and their clinical data were retrospectively assessed. From January 2011 to December 2017, 15 patients received conventional treatments (percutaneous catheter drainage, PCD group) known as the traditional percutaneous method, and 19 patients from January 2018 to December 2021 received new treatments (Troca's SD group) consisting of conventional therapies and placement of a modified sump drainage through trocar puncture into DSF-abscess cavity. The demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between two groups. Compared with the PCD group, the rates of postoperative complications, duodenostomy creation, subsequent surgery, fistula healing rates of the DSF, and length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly decreased in the Troca SD group. However, there was no significant difference in the abscess recurrence rate and mortality rates. Trocar puncture with a modified sump drainage is an safe, effective, and technically feasible treatment for duodenal stump fistula after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. This novel technique should be further investigated using large-scale RCT research.

Efficacy and feasibility of stromal vascular fraction containing adipose derived stem cells obtained from freshly prepared lipoaspirate for treatment of complex anorectal fistulas- A novel approach

BackgroundAnal fistulas are relatively common. Despite diverse treatment modalities and tremendous advance and optimization of surgical approaches, considerable recurrence and high failure rates are not uncommon especially after surgery for complex anal fistulas. Therefore, autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy for the treatment of complex perianal fistula can be an innovative and promising option with potential high cure rate and long-term healing. AimTo assess the efficacy and feasibility intralesional administration of stromal vascular fraction containing autologous, adipose-derived stem cells prepared from fresh lipoaspirate for management of complex and recurrent anal fistula. MethodsTotally, 28 patients with complex perianal fistulas were enrolled in this prospective case-series study from March 2018 and August 2022. They were 22 male and 6 females patient) with 38.8 years average ages (ranges from 26 to 54 years). All patients were assigned to receive intralesional injection with autologous freshly prepared adipose-derived stem cells from lipoaspirate suction in a concentration of 1 × 107 cell/ml. The healing of fistulas, confirmed by clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated at week 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months after treatment. If no evidence of healing was not seen at 6 weeks, a second dose of same concentration was administered. In addition to fistula healing, adverse effect (functional outcomes), complications and procedure safety were also evaluated. ResultsThe overall healing rate of fistulas treated by injection of ADSCs was 60.7% (17/28), while healing rate after first injection was 50% (14/28) and after second injection was 30% (3/10).Three patients were lost after first injection. During the follow up period of 6 months none of the patients who showed complete healing, recorded relapse of their fistulas (recurrence 0%). Further, none of the patients recorded complications or adverse reactions related to stem cell therapy during the study and none of them had worsening fecal incontinence during follow-up period. Postoperative pain assessed by.VAS score was significantly low (>3). Fecal continence assessed by Wexner score of all patients was not changed or affected. ConclusionsInjection of complex perianal fistulas by freshly prepared autologous ADSCs could be a valid and effective treatment modality. It is safe, feasible and minimally invasive procedure that lacks the risk of injury to anal sphincter complex, unlike other surgical procedures that endanger the anal continence.Further, second dose of ADSCs injection could improve the rate of healing, without adding adverse effects.

Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical application of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip.

The study investigates the mechanical properties of a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip (NiTi-AFC), studies the surgical method of treating anal fistula, and evaluates its clinical efficacy. The anal fistula clip was formed in nickel-titanium alloy with a titanium content of 50.0%-51.8%. The mechanical properties and chemical properties were tested. A total of 31 patients with anal fistula were enrolled between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023. All patients underwent internal orifice closure surgery using NiTi-AFC, and anorectal magnetic resonance or ultrasound was performed before surgery and 6 months after surgery for diagnosis and evaluation. Fistula cure rates, length of stay, perianal pain, and Wexner incontinence scores were retrospectively compared between patients treated with NiTi-AFC and patients treated with other surgical methods. NiTi-AFC has a density of 6.44-6.50 g·cm-3, with a shape-restoring force of 63.8 N. The corrosion rate of NiTi-AFC in 0.05% hydrochloric acid solution at atmospheric pressure and 20°C is approximately 6.8 × 10-5 g·(m·h)-1. A total of 31 patients (male/female: 19/12, age: 43.7 ± 17.8 years) were included. Among them, 22.6% (7) had multiple anal fistula, 16.1% (5) had high anal fistula, and 48.3% (15) had perianal fistula Crohn's disease. In total, 12.9% (4/31) did not achieve primary healing, underwent fistula resection, and eventually recovered. A retrospective analysis showed that the fistula healing rate, length of stay, and anal pain of NiTi-AFC treatment were similar to those of other traditional surgeries, but the Wexner incontinence score was significantly lower. NiTi-AFC has shape memory properties, corrosion resistance, superelastic effect, and surface cell adhesion. It is applied to internal orifice closure surgery of anal fistula, with good therapeutic effect, and can protect the anal function.

Internal Orifice Alloy Closure: A New Procedure for Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND The high recurrence rate of perianal fistula Crohn's disease (PFCD) increases the need to protect the anal sphincter during each surgical treatment of fistulas. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of internal orifice alloy closure in patients with PFCD. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients with PFCD were enrolled in the study between July 6, 2021, and April 27, 2023. All patients underwent preoperative colonoscopy and anal magnetic resonance examination for diagnosis and evaluation. Internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) was performed only when Crohn's disease was in remission. The external sphincter had not been severed. Perianal magnetic resonance imaging examination was used for postoperative evaluation after 6 months. Fistula cure rate, length of stay, perianal pain, and Wexner incontinence score were retrospectively compared between 15 patients treated with IOAC and 40 patients treated with other surgical methods. RESULTS Fifteen patients (male/female: 9/6, age: 23.6±14.3 years) with PFCD were included (follow-up: 24 months). In total, 20.0% (3) had multiple tracts, and 13.3% (2) had a high anal fistula. Among them, 10 patients received biologics for induction for mucosal healing before surgery. The fistula healed completely in 80.0% (12/15) and did not heal in 20.0% (3/15). Three patients who did not heal underwent fistulotomy and eventually recovered. IOAC is not superior in terms of fistula healing rates, length of stay, and anal pain, but its Wexner incontinence scores are significantly lower than with other surgical methods. CONCLUSIONS IOAC is a novel sphincter-saving surgery that is effective and safe for the treatment of PFCD.

A212 THE IMPACT OF COMBINED MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR PERIANAL CROHN’S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Multidisciplinary care involving surgical drainage via examinations under anesthesia (EUA) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is recommended for perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD). However, the impact of this combined modality approach is not well-established. Purpose To determine the impact of combined modality (surgical and anti-TNF) vs. single modality (either surgical or anti-TNF) therapy on fistula healing in perianal Crohn’s disease. Method MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically from inception through September 15, 2022 independently in duplicate. We included studies that reported on fistula outcomes after treatment with combined modality vs. single modality therapy for PCD. Surgery was defined as EUA ± seton or closure procedure. Weighted summary estimates with 95% CI were estimated by random effects models. Study quality was determined using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Result(s) Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. The total population included 1279 patients: 685 patients treated with single modality therapy with either surgical or anti-TNF therapy and 594 patients treated with combined modality therapy. Patients treated with combined modality therapy were more likely to achieve fistula healing compared to single modality therapy (65.4% vs. 57.7%; OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.03-2.73, p = 0.04) (Figure 1a). In a subgroup analysis, the rates of fistula healing were higher with combined modality therapy than with surgical therapy alone (OR 2.34; 95% CI 0.85-6.46, p = 0.10) but not anti-TNF therapy alone (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.78-1.81, p = 0.43), although neither comparison was statistically significant (Figures 1b and c). The majority of studies were rated low-quality due to risk of bias from uncontrolled confounding variables. Image Conclusion(s) Limited high-quality evidence suggests that fistula healing occurs more frequently in patients treated with combined modality therapy. However, the benefit of a combined modality approach appears to be driven mainly by anti-TNF therapy. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Improved fistula plug outcome depends on the type of plug: a single-centre retrospective study.

Fistula-in-ano is a common condition that is potentially difficult to treat. In recent years 'sphincter-sparing' procedures have increased in popularity due to the lower rates of reported complications, such as incontinence. One such treatment is the fistula plug, which has seen varied success compared with other techniques. There are currently several plugs on the market and it is possible that difference in outcomes could be linked to the type of plug used. The aim of this study was to compare healing and complication rates between two fistula plugs in a single tertiary referral centre in the UK. We conducted a single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients over the age of 18 years who underwent elective fistula plug insertion, with two different fistula plugs over a 13-year period. A total of 113 patients underwent fistula plug insertion (plug A n= 90; plug B n= 23). Plug B had been on the market for the final 4 years of the study period, hence the differing patient numbers. There was no difference in patient demographics, fistula type or aetiology of the fistula between the two plugs. Plug B had a significantly higher fistula healing rate compared with plug A (56.5% vs. 12.2%; p< 0.005). A quarter of all patients experienced a complication, 93% being those who had fistula plug A inserted. The most common complication was extrusion of the plug within 72 h of insertion. This study demonstrated significantly different outcomes according to the type of fistula plug used. Whilst current randomized controlled trials have not found a significant difference in healing rates when comparing one type of fistula plug to other treatment modalities, this study suggests that plug type may influence efficacy.

Autologous platelet-rich-plasma injection and platelet-rich fibrin glue interposition for treatment of anal fistula resistant to surgery.

The current study purposed to evaluate the autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin glue (PRFG) effect on the treatment of complex, and recalcitrant anal fistula (AF) which was not cured by several surgeries. AF has remained one of difficult challenges for centuries. Surgery is the common treatment method for it, but the risk of fecal incontinence and recurrence is still a distressing complication for patients and surgeons. New procedures were published in the scientific literature, each with advantages and disadvantages. According to reports, an effective therapy option is the autologous fibrin glue that is rich in platelets. Autologous PRP and PRFG were prepared from 10 patients' own blood. The surgeon curetted the tract of anal fistula for the deepithelialisation till hemorrhage occurred; PRP was injected around the fistula into the tissue, and PRFG was interpositioned in the tract. Age, number of previous surgeries, complications, number of PRP and PRFG administrations, and duration of halting the discharge were among the information gathered. Patients were followed up between 10 months to 84 months after treatment. No complications were observed during and after the injection. During the period of follow-up, AF leakage was stopped for 6 patients, but not for 4 patients. Since autologous PRP injection, and PRFG interposition is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure for resistant AF to surgeries; it can be used, along with surgery to increase the healing rate of complex anal fistula.

Thirteen-year audit of the management of anorectal fistulae in a tertiary colorectal unit

Persistent anorectal fistulae are referred for assessment in the Durban Metropolitan area to the colorectal unit at the tertiary hospital. This audit aimed to report the assessment and management of these fistulae to benchmark the outcomes from these approaches at a South African tertiary colorectal unit. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with anorectal fistulae over a 13-year period at a tertiary referral centre. Data analysed included demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidity, management and outcome. Study outcomes measures were healing time and secondary outcome measures were complications of surgery. One hundred and thirty-three patients (median age 44 and M:F ratio 2.8:1) with 206 fistulae were accrued. The initial assessment and diagnostic procedures included insertion of seton (126), fistulectomy (14), and fistulotomy (65). Definitive procedures included two-stage seton fistulotomy (43), ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure (39), modified Hanley procedure (17), and mucosal advancement flap (5). One patient had no surgery and nine did not undergo a definitive procedure. Additional procedures included anal sphincter reconstruction (2) and repair of rectovaginal fistula (2). Residual anal incontinence occurred in 13.5%. The failure rate was 6% and healing occurred in 94%. The median healing time was 8 months after the initial surgery and 4 months following the definitive procedure. The fistula healing rate overall was 94% and was associated with an incontinence rate of 13.5%.

Surgical Intervention is Effective for the Treatment of Crohn's-related Rectovaginal Fistulas: Experience From a Tertiary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Practice.

Rectovaginal fistula occurs in up to 10-20% of women with Crohn's disease, significantly affecting their quality of life. We sought to determine outcomes of single and repeat operative interventions. A retrospective review of all adult patients with a Crohn's-related rectovaginal fistula, who underwent an operation between 1995 and 2021, was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, Crohn's-related medical treatment, surgical intervention, postoperative outcomes, and fistula outcomes. A total of 166 patients underwent 360 operations; mean age was 42.8 [+/-13.2] years; 34 [20.7%] patients were current and 58 [35.4%] former smokers. The most commonly performed procedure was: a local approach [n = 160, 44.5%] using fibrin glue, fistulotomy/fistulectomy, or seton placement; followed by a transvaginal/transanal approach [n = 113, 31.4%] with an advancement flap repair [including Martius advancement flap] and episoproctotomy; a transabdominal approach [n = 98, 27.2%] including proctectomy or re-do anastomosis; and finally gracilis muscle interposition [n = 8, 2.2%]. The median number of operative interventions per patient was 2 [1.0-3.0] procedures. The overall fistula healing rate per patient was 71.7% [n = 119] at a median follow-up of 5.5 [1.2-9.8] years. Factors that impaired healing included former smoking (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.87, p = 0.014) and seton insertion [OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.83, p = 0.012]. Over two-thirds of Crohn's-related rectovaginal fistulas can achieve closure with multiple surgical interventions. Smoking and seton usage negatively affect healing rates and should be avoided.

Subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy (SIFT-IS): a novel surgical procedure for transsphincteric anal fistula.

The aetiology of anal fistula has not been fully clarified. One of the causes of anal fistulas may be the markedly deep crypts that characterize the primary openings. We developed subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy (SIFT-IS) to eradicate these deep crypts. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with anal fistula treated with SIFT-IS. A retrospective study was performed over a 2-year period. Patients with transsphincteric anal fistula who underwent SIFT-IS were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the anal fistula healing rate at 16 weeks postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were healing time, postoperative complications and clinical continence status. One hundred and fifty one patients were enrolled. Primary healing was accomplished in 129 patients (85%). There were 17 patients (11%) with a remnant fistula and five (3%) with a recurrence. The remnant fistulas healed spontaneously at more than 16 weeks postoperatively in seven patients. The median healing time was 6 (3-96)weeks. Surgical intervention was required in seven patients with a remnant fistula and four with recurrence. At the final follow-up, the wounds had healed in 148 patients (98%). No significant postoperative complications or incontinence were observed. Subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy is a promising surgical option for transsphincteric anal fistulas, with a satisfactory healing rate.

The therapeutic effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on a rat model of tracheal fistula

BackgroundTracheal fistulas (TF) can be dangerous and even fatal in patients. The current treatment is really challenging. Previous studies reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be used to treat respiratory tract fistulas. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are considered to be MSC-like cells that may also have the potential to treat the tracheal fistulas. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of SHED in rat tracheal fistula models.MethodsA total of 80 SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: a sham-operated group, a local PBS group (L-PBS), an intravenous PBS group (I-PBS), a local SHED treatment group (L-SHED), and an intravenous SHED treatment group (I-SHED). The L-SHED and I-SHED groups were given a topical application around the fistula or an intravenous injection of 1*107 SHED via the tail vein, respectively, while the L-PBS and I-PBS groups were given an equivalent volume of PBS through local or intravenous administration. A stereomicroscope was used to observe fistula healing on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th days following transplantation. On the 7th day, the survival of SHED was observed by immunofluorescence. The pathology of the lungs and fistulas was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. The expression levels of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-33, and IL-4 were measured using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of TLR4, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) were studied using western blotting. On day 14, airway responsiveness of rats was detected and analyzed.ResultsFistula healing in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups was faster than that in their respective PBS groups after transplantation. The fistula diameters in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups were significantly smaller than those in the L-PBS and I-PBS groups on the 3rd day. Moreover, the phenomenon of fibroblast proliferation and new blood vessel growth around the fistula seemed more pronounced in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups. Although no discernible difference was found in airway responsiveness after SHED treatment, the degree of inflammation in the lungs was reduced by intravenous SHED treatment. However, there was no significant reduction in lung inflammation by local SHED treatment. The expression levels of IL-1β and IL-33 were decreased in the I-SHED group, while IL-4 was elevated compared with the I-PBS group. Interestingly, intravenous SHED treatment inhibited the activation of HMGB1/TLR4/MYD88 in the lung tissues of TF rats.ConclusionsSHED transplantation accelerated the rate of fistula healing in rats. Intravenous SHED treatment reduced lung inflammation. Thus, SHED may have potential in the treatment of tracheal fistula, providing hope for future therapeutic development for TF.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Anorectal Abscess, Fistula-in-Ano, and Rectovaginal Fistula.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Anorectal Abscess, Fistula-in-Ano, and Rectovaginal Fistula.

Vedolizumab for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/AimsPerianal fistulas are a debilitating manifestation of Crohn’s disease (CD). Despite the advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, the medical management of fistulizing CD continues to be challenged by unmet needs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of vedolizumab for the management of perianal fistulizing CD.MethodsA search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed from inception to June 2020 for studies reporting rates of perianal fistula healing in CD patients treated with vedolizumab. The primary outcome of interest was complete healing of perianal fistulas and the secondary outcome was partial healing. The pooled fistula healing rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated utilizing a random effects model.ResultsA total of 74 studies were initially identified, 4 of which met the inclusion criteria. A total of 198 patients with active perianal fistulas were included, 87% of whom had failed previous anti-TNF therapy. The pooled complete healing rate was 27.6% (95% CI, 18.9%–37.3%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=49.4%) and the pooled partial healing rate was 34.9% (95% CI, 23.2%–47.7%) with high heterogeneity (I2=67.1%).ConclusionsIn a meta-analysis of 4 studies that included 198 patients with perianal fistulizing CD, the majority of whom had failed previous anti-TNF therapy, vedolizumab treatment led to healing of perianal fistulas in nearly one-third of the patients. The lack of high-quality data and significant study heterogeneity underscores the need for future prospective studies of fistula healing in patients receiving anti-integrin therapy.

Increasing experience with the LIFT procedure in Crohn's disease patients with complex anal fistula.

Surgical management of anal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with high failure rates, and treatment options are limited due to ongoing proctitis, multiple tracts, and concern for incontinence and non-healing wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the healing rate of ligation of the inters-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for anal fistulas in Crohn's disease and identify prognostic factors for healing. This prospective analysis compared long-term healing rates of CD patients undergoing LIFT for anal fistulas. Consecutive patients with CD who underwent LIFT procedure at our institution, in the period from March 2012 to September 2019 were included. The main outcome was anal fistula healing rate. The study cohort of 46 patients (mean age of 34.2 ± 13.0years, 18 (40%) males). After a mean follow-up time of 33 ± 28months, fistula healing was seen in 30 (65%) patients. A total of 8 patients were noted to have inter-sphincteric recurrence and 8 patients had trans-sphincteric recurrence. Smoking at the time of surgery was significantly associated with LIFT failure (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.18-8.61, p = 0.02). Other factors, such as age, sex, race, disease duration and location, type of fistula history of proctitis, preoperatively use of biologics or a seton, and previous repair attempts, did not appear to influence LIFT healing. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward increase in failure among patients with active proctitis at the time of surgery (HR 1.97, 95% CI 0.71-5.42, p = 0.19). Our increasing experience with LIFT for anal fistula in CD demonstrates a higher rate of healing (65%) than previously reported (48%). Smoking appears to negatively influence healing of LIFT in CD.

A systematic review of the patient burden of Crohn\u2019s disease-related rectovaginal and anovaginal fistulas

BackgroundCrohn’s disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and treatment burden for women. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF, summarizing evidence from observational studies and highlighting knowledge gaps.MethodsThis SLR identified articles in PubMed and Embase that provide data and insight into the patient experience and disease burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.ResultsOf the 582 records identified, 316 full-text articles were assessed, and 16 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and were included. Few epidemiology studies were identified, with one study estimating the prevalence of RVF to be 2.3% in females with Crohn’s disease. Seven of 12 treatment pattern studies reported that patients had or required additional procedures before and/or after the intervention of interest, demonstrating a substantial treatment burden. Seven of 11 studies assessing clinical outcomes reported fistula healing rates between 50 and 75%, with varying estimates based on population and intervention.ConclusionsThis SLR reports the high disease and treatment burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF and identifies multiple evidence gaps in this field. The literature lacks robust, generalizable data, and demonstrates a compelling need for substantial, novel research into these rare and debilitating sequelae of CD.Registration The PROSPERO registration number for the protocol for this systematic literature review is CRD42020177732.