Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Technique Research Articles

A commentary on "High ligation of the anal fistula tract by lateral approach: A prospective cohort study on a modification of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract technique".

A commentary on "High ligation of the anal fistula tract by lateral approach: A prospective cohort study on a modification of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract technique".

Efficacy of Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistula Tract technique for fistula-in-ano: A prospective observational study

Background: Fistula-in-ano is one of the commonest diseases presented to the surgical outpatient department that affects the patient physically and psychologically. As the disease is known for recurrence, the ideal technique for fistula repair is still undetermined. Materials and Methods:We hereby report 85 patients diagnosed clinically and radiologically having fistula-inano who underwent the Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) procedure at a tertiary care center. Results: The median time for the LIFT procedure was 32.5 minutes (range 25-40 minutes), and the median time taken for healing of the wound was around eight weeks. The majority of patients (95.4%) had no recurrence, and only 4 (4.6%) had a recurrence on follow-up within one year. None of the patients presented with stool or flatus incontinence. Conclusion: The LIFT technique can be the preferred treatment option for fistula-in-ano that are having simple straight tract, single opening lying posteriorly, and having either trans-sphincteric or inter-sphincteric variety with lower complication rates and preserving continent anal sphincter allowing patients to return early to their routine activities normal daily activities

The effectiveness of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique in the treatment of simple trans-sphincteric anal fistula

Background The best cure for anal fistula, while maintaining the anal sphincter complex and complete continence, should remove inflammation and facilitate healing of the tract. The primary cure for anal fistula is surgery. There have been several surgical techniques mentioned. Intersphincteric fistula tract [ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT)] ligation, with the benefit of reducing anal incontinence, is a novel surgical technique. The low probability of an impaired sphincter function is one of the key benefits of the procedure. Aim To analyze the success rate of LIFT for patients with anal fistulas. Patients and methods From December 2017 to June 2019, 20 patients were added to this longitudinal study. Patients were treated with intersphincteric fistula (LIFT) technique, and effects were observed and reported, including recurrence rate, incontinence rate, and other postoperative complications. A follow-up cycle of up to 12 months has been completed. Results A total of 20 patients have been examined. The mean operation time was 39 min (range, 25–55 min), and there were no intraoperative complications. The average full healing rate was 90% and the recurrence rate was 10%. No patients have experienced incontinence. Conclusions LIFT technique is an effective method in the treatment of anal fistula with reduced risk of recurrence and anal incontinence.

Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment for Treatment of Complex Cryptoglandular Anal Fistulas with 2 Years Follow-Up Period: Our Experience.

Aim: The aim of this prospective, nonrandomized, observational study was to present our results in operative treatment of complex anal fistulas using video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) procedure with a curative intent in 2 years follow-up period. Materials and Methods: Between March 2016 and March 2018, 73 patients underwent the VAAFT procedure. Postoperative follow-up was 2 years, up to March 2020. Only patients with complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas were included. All patients were referred for magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis. Fecal incontinence severity index score was used to assess any continence disturbance prior operation and postoperatively. Result: Primary healing occurred in 52 cases (71.23%) after first operation. From 21 patients who had recurrence or who had persisting disease, 16 patients accepted reoperation with second VAAFT procedure and additionally 10 patients achieved healing. From a total number of 73 patients who were included in study healing ultimately occurred in 62 cases (84.93%). In the first operation internal opening was identified in 47 cases (64.38%) and was closed with mattress suture, rectal advancement flap or ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique depending on its extent and type of fistula. Median primary healing rate was 6 weeks. There were no serious intra- or postoperative complications. None of the patients reported any type of continence disturbance. Discussion: VAAFT has been shown to offer good rates of healing, low morbidities, possibilities of multiple attempts in case of first failure and this series adds to the literature.

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique in the management of anorectal fistula

Background and aims Anorectal fistula is one of the most common problematic anal conditions in daily surgical practice. Many treatment modalities are used. This study evaluates the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure on the basis of its postoperative outcomes. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 25 patients. Participants of either sex diagnosed with anal fistula (transsphincteric fistula, either high or low) were included in the study between April 2016 and May 2018. Patients with recurrent fistulas, Crohn’s disease, and anal or distal rectal cancers were excluded from the study. Results The mean age group of the study participants was 36.6±8.34. The sex distribution showed a higher number of men (n=17) compared with women (n=8). The mean operative time was 35.46±3.6 min and the mean healing time was 6 weeks. Anal incontinence was not observed (0%). A total of two (8%) participants developed recurrence. Conclusion The Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure is an effective and sphincter-preserving technique for fistula-in-ano with a shorter healing time and a lower incidence of recurrence.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract technique in the treatment of anal fistula

Background: Management of anal fistula is a challenging issue in surgical practice. No single technique is appropriate for treatment of all types of fistulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new sphincter-sparing technique: ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for management of anal fistula.Methods: Over a period of 18 months from January 2015 to June 2016 twenty-one patients (12 males and 9 females) with transsphincteric anal fistula were treated with the LIFT procedure. Patients were followed up for at least six months postoperatively for fistula recurrence, rate of wound healing and effect on fecal continence.Results: Fistula healing rate was (90.5%); recurrence rate was 9.5% in the form of down staging to intersphincteric fistulas. Mean time of healing of intersphincteric wound was 32±7.4 days (ranged from 17 to 58 days). Mean time of healing of the external opening wound was 27±5.8 days (ranged from 19 to 56 days). No postoperative changes in fecal continence.Conclusions: LIFT operation is a safe and effective management of transsphincteric anal fistula, this technique has high healing rate with no effect on fecal continence.

Long-term results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for management of anal fistula

BackgroundLigation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique is a new sphincter saving method with good results in management of anal fistula, but few studies report long-term follow-up data. Material and methodsThis study investigated the use of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract as a sphincter saving method based on long term results. This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted at two tertiary care university medical centers. 36 patients with complex fistula from January 2010 to January 2014 treated with classic ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract were retrospectively followed. Demographic data, previous repair attempts, the type of the fistula and score of fecal continence were collected. The procedure was performed by colorectal surgeons. Primary healing rate, failures and fecal incontinence score of patients were followed for 6–48 months. ResultsA total of 36 patients underwent ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract during 24 months. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and 50% had two previous attempts at surgery. A total of 25 patients (69/5%) had high transsphincteric fistula. The mean follow up was 27 months. Successful fistula closure was achieved in 63/8% of the patients (23 of 36). The mean time of recurrence was 4.5 weeks. Only one (2/77%) patient reported gas incontinence (score: 3) after the procedure. ConclusionThe recurrence rate and fecal incontinence were measured. The ligation of intersphincteric fistula is a promising sphincter-preserving procedure that is simple and safe. Our study demonstrates favorable long-term results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for management of complex anal fistulas.

Outcomes after operations for anal fistula: results of a prospective, multicenter, regional study.

There are various surgical techniques used treat anal fistulas. The adoption and success rates of newer techniques have not been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to determine the healing rate after operations for anal fistulas in New England colorectal surgery practices. We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. The study was conducted at colorectal surgery practices in New England. A prospective, multicenter registry was created by the New England Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Surgeons were invited to collect data prospectively regarding patients operated on for anal fistulas between January 1, 2011, and August 1, 2013. Fistula classification, surgical intervention, continence scores, and healing were determined by the treating surgeon. Operation for anal fistula was performed. We measured the proportion of patients with healed fistulas at 3 months. Sixteen surgeons submitted data regarding 240 operations for fistula with curative intent. Mean patient age was 45 ± 14 years. A total of 158 patients (66%) were men, and 110 (46%) had undergone an anorectal operation. Twenty-nine (12%) had Crohn's disease. The healing rates of fistulotomy, advancement flap, and fistula plugs at 3 months were 94% (95% CI, 89-97), 60% (95% CI, 33-77), and 20% (95% CI, 5-50). The healing rate of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure at 3 months was 79% (95% CI, 65-88). Hospital site was the only variable associated with healing (p < 0.05). Hospitals that performed more ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures had higher healing rates at 3 months (p < 0.0001). This study was limited by selection bias and reporting bias. A wide variety of techniques are used to treat anal fistulas in our region. Fistulotomy continues to have excellent results. There has been enthusiastic early adoption of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique. Early healing rates after the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure appear to be excellent.

To LIFT or to Flap? Which Surgery to Perform Following Seton Insertion for High Anal Fistula?

The ideal surgery following seton insertion for high anal fistulas remains debatable. This study aimed to compare the success between the endorectal advancement flap and the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract techniques as the definitive procedure following seton placement. This study is a retrospective review. This study was conducted at the Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore, between April 2006 and July 2011. After seton placement for high anal fistulas, 31 and 24 patients underwent the endorectal advancement flap and the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures. Failure was defined as the nonhealing of the surgical wounds or persistent discharge at the external opening. We identified 31 patients with a median age of 49 (range, 19-74) years in the endorectal advancement flap group. The median interval from the seton procedure to the flap procedure was 13 (range, 4-284) weeks. Over a median follow up of 6 (range, 2-26) months, 29 (93.5%) patients had successful outcomes. There were 24 patients, median age 41 (range, 16-75) years, in the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract group. The median interval from the seton placement to the definitive surgery was 14 (range, 8-74) weeks. Over a median follow-up of 13 (range, 4-67) months, 15 (62.5%) patients had successful outcomes. Hence when performed as the initial definitive procedure after a seton, the endorectal advancement flap technique had a significantly higher success rate in comparison with the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract approach (93.5% vs 62.5%) (p = 0.006). In patients who have had seton placement for high anal fistulas, the endorectal advancement flap technique is associated with better short-term outcomes in comparison with the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT): A Sphincter-Saving Technique for Fistula-in-Ano

This study was designed to assess the total anal sphincter-saving technique of ligating the intersphincteric fistula tract for the treatment of fistula-in-ano. We performed a prospective observational study of patients with fistula-in-ano treated with the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract technique from May 2007 through September 2008. All patients had fistulas arising from cryptoglandular infections. Recurrence rate, healing time, and morbidities related to the procedure were determined with a standard follow-up protocol. Forty-five patients with transsphincteric (n = 33) or complex (n = 12) fistulas were included in the study. Five patients (11.1%) had recurrent fistula-in-ano after prior surgery using other recognized treatment procedures. The median age was 41.5 (range, 27-56) years; median follow-up, 9 (range, 2-16) months. Primary healing was achieved in 37 patients (82.2%), with a median healing time of 7 (range, 4-10) weeks. Eight patients (17.7%) had recurrence of fistula between 3 and 8 months after the operation. No clinically significant morbidity was noted in any of the 45 patients. The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract technique for fistula-in-ano surgery, which aims at total anal sphincter preservation, appears to be both safe and easy to perform, with encouraging early outcomes.