Transsphincteric Fistulas Research Articles

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Characterization of Perianal Fistulous Disease in a Rural Based Tertiary Hospital of North India

SummaryBackgroundTo diagnose and characterize the perianal fistulous disease using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a hilly and rural area of North India.Material/MethodsThis prospective hospital based study was conducted for a period of one year from April 2014 to April 2015 in the departments of Radiodiagnosis and Surgery of our institute. A total of 50 consecutive patients presenting with perianal fistulous disease fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and taken up for MRI. The perianal fistulae were classified according to St James University hospital classification and tracks were assessed with regard to anatomical plane, length, ramifications, abscess formation, enteric communication, external cutaneous opening, enhancement and suprasphincteric extension. Surgical correlation was done in 31 patients who opted for surgical treatment. Rest of the 19 patients preferred alternative medicine for treatment or chose to postpone their surgery.ResultsThe disease was much more prevalent in males in comparison to females with male to female ratio of 24:1. Grade 4 was the most common type of fistula (34%) while Grade 5 was the least common type (4%).MRI showed a high sensitivity of 93.7% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.7% when correlated with surgical findings. A substantial number of patients (38%) preferred alternative medicine or non surgical form of treatment.ConclusionsMRI is a very sensitive modality for the evaluation of perianal fistula. In our study group, the disease predominantly affected middle aged men. Ramifications and abscesses were commonly seen, affecting nearly half of the patients and majority of the patients had active fistulous tracks with posteriorly located enteric opening. Overall, transsphincteric fistulae were most common. Significant number of patients avoided surgery or showed preference for non surgical treatment.

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract vs Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Plus a Bioprosthetic Anal Fistula Plug Procedure in Patients With Transsphincteric Anal Fistula

The purpose of this study was to compare the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) with an additional plug (LIFT-plug) in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistula. Both LIFT and LIFT-plug are recently reported effective alternatives of transsphincteric anal fistula. This multicenter prospective randomized study (NCT01478139) was conducted at 5 university hospitals throughout China. A total of 235 patients were randomly assigned to undergo LIFT (118 patients) or LIFT-plug (117 patients) between March 2011 and April 2013. The primary outcome measured was primary healing rate at 6 months postoperatively and healing time. Secondary outcomes included recurrence rate, postoperative pain, and incontinence rate. The LIFT procedure showed shorter operative time than the LIFT-plug procedure (26.7 min vs 28.5 min, P = 0.03). Median healing time was 22 days in LIFT-plug group vs 30 days in LIFT group (P < 0.001). The difference in visual analog scale scores across all time points was not statistically significant between the groups (P = 0.13). The primary healing rate was higher in LIFT-plug group than in LIFT group [94.0% (95% confidence interval 89.7%-98.3%) vs 83.9% (95% confidence interval 77.2%-90.6%), P < 0.001]. There were no reported incontinence and recurrence within the follow-up period of 6 months. In patients with transsphincteric anal fistulas, both LIFT-plug and LIFT are simple, safe, and effective procedures. LIFT-plug has the advantage of a higher healing rate, less healing time, and a lower early postoperative pain score.

Effective and long-term outcome following ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for transsphincteric fistula.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure for transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. A total of 43 patients that were treated with LIFT procedure and had a follow-up time of more than 1year were included. The median age was 37.18years, and 32 (74.4%) of the patients were male. The median follow-up time was 26.2months (range 13-63months). There were 29 (67.4%) uncomplicated transsphincteric fistulas, 10 (23.3%) horseshoe transsphincteric fistulas, and 4 (9.3%) multiple fistulas. Eight (18.5%) patients presented with dehiscence or infection at the intersphincteric wound and were successfully treated with either laying open (n=5) or local application of silver nitrate (n=3). The success rate, as determined from the last follow-up time point, was 83.7% (36/43). The mean time to complete failure was 8.6weeks (range 1-28) in 7 patients. With the exception of these 7 patients, 32/36 (88.9%) patients had a Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal incontinence score of 0, 3 patients had a score of 1, and 1 had a score of 2. No significant association was found between laying open and incontinence in these partial failure patients. The LIFT procedure can be considered an effective sphincter-sparing procedure in the management of transsphincteric fistula with an acceptable long-term outcome.

Total fistulectomy, sphincteroplasty and closure of the residual cavity for trans-sphincteric perianal fistula in the elderly patient.

Perianal fistula is a complex and frequent disease. At present, no treatment nor technique has shown an absolute superiority in terms of efficacy and recurrence rate. The technique has to be chosen considering the balance between faecal continence preservation and disease eradication. Rarely concomitant perianal abscess and fistula are treated at the same time, and often time to complete recovery is long. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of treating the abscess and the fistula tract in one procedure with total fistulectomy, sphincteroplasty and an almost complete closure of the residual cavity, thus reducing the healing time in older patients. A non-randomized single-centre series of 86 patients from 2007 to 2012 with low-medium trans-sphincteric perianal fistula (< 30% of external sphincter involvement) with or without synchronous perianal abscess were treated with total fistulectomy, sphincteroplasty and closure of the residual cavity technique. Success rate was 97.7% with a healing time of 4weeks; overall morbidity was 16.2%; recurrence rate was 2.3%; no major alterations of continence were observed. Fistulectomy, sphincteroplasty and closure of the residual cavity are associated with a low rate of recurrence and good faecal continence preservation in older patients. This technique can be safely used even with a concomitant perianal abscess, with reduction in healing time and in the number of surgical procedures needed. Total fistulectomy with sphincteroplasty and partial closure of the residual cavity, as described, is a safe procedure but has to be performed by dedicated colorectal surgeons.

Surgical Management of Fistula-in-ano Among Patients With Crohn's Disease: Analysis of Outcomes After Fistulotomy or Seton Placement-Single-Center Experience.

Fistula-in-ano is a common problem among patients with Crohn's disease and carries significant morbidity. We aimed to study the outcomes of surgical treatment of fistula-in-ano after fistulotomy or seton placement in patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. A retrospective observational study of 59 patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease, who were treated surgically for fistula-in-ano between 2010 and 2014 in our department. The assessment of disease complexity included a detailed physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum, and examination under anesthesia. Outcomes for analysis included wound healing rate and postoperative incontinence. High transsphincteric fistula was found in 44% of the patients, while mid or low transsphincteric fistulas were found in 51%. Three women (5%) had a rectovaginal fistula. All patients with high transsphincteric fistulas were treated with loose seton placement. Patients with mid- or low-level transsphincteric fistula were offered either fistulotomy or seton placement based on the clinical evaluation. The mean follow-up duration was 1.6 ± 1.1 years. In terms of recurrence, one patient treated with seton placement presented with recurrence 6 months after seton removal and one patient with fistulotomy failed to achieve wound healing. Minor incontinence was found in six patients treated with fistulotomy and in three patients treated with seton placement; however, this difference was not significant (chi-square = 1.723, df = 1, Monte-Carlo: p = 0.273). Fistulotomy could achieve good results in terms of wound healing and incontinence in strictly selected patients with Crohn's disease suffering from low-lying transsphincteric fistulae. For more high-lying or complicated fistulae, seton placement is more appropriate. For high transsphincteric fistulae, the only option is placement of loose seton.

Clinical Significance of 2 Deep Posterior Perianal Spaces to Complex Cryptoglandular Fistulas

Confusion exists regarding the clinical significance of the deep posterior intersphincteric space and deep postanal space to complex perianal fistulas. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical significance of the 2 deep posterior perianal spaces and to describe in detail the courses of posterior complex cryptoglandular fistula extensions. This was a retrospective study. MRI-based characteristics of selected perianal fistulas were independently evaluated by examiners who focused on lesions in these 2 spaces and were blinded to each other's findings. This study was conducted in the colorectal surgery and radiology departments of a large university teaching hospital in China. Included in the study were patients who underwent pelvic MRI for posterior perianal fistula between October 2012 and December 2014. The occurrence rates of these 2 deep perianal space lesions in posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were determined. A total of 513 primary posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were identified in 508 patients, including 167 deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions (32.6%) and 23 deep postanal space lesions (4.5%). Of those, 173 fistulas (33.7%) were evaluated as complex. The former and latter spaces were involved in 79.2% (137/173) and 13.3% (23/173) of posterior complex fistulas. Compared with deep postanal space lesions, deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions were more common in cases with high transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas (80.1% vs 15.8%), synchronous multiple transsphincteric fistulas (82.4% vs 20.6%), horseshoe-like fistulas (85.5% vs 14.5%), and supralevator fistulas (93.5% vs 16.1%). Similar incidences were also seen in cases with ischioanal-involved horseshoe-like fistulas (75.0% vs 25.0%). This study was limited by its retrospective nature. The deep posterior intersphincteric space is more likely than the deep postanal space to be involved in complex cryptoglandular fistulas and is likely to play a more important role in the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas.

Results of the Gore Bio-A fistula plug implantation in the treatment of anal fistula: a multicentre study.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the efficiency of the Gore Bio-A synthetic plug in the treatment of anal fistulas. A synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug was implanted in 60 patients. All fistulas were transsphincteric and cryptoglandular in origin. The healing rate after 1year of follow-up was 52% (31 out of 60 patients). No patient was lost to follow-up. The treatment had no effect on the incontinence score. The plug dislodgement rate was 10% (6 out of 60 patients). Thirty-four per cent of the patients (16 out of 47) required reoperation. The average operating time was 32±10.2min, and the average length of hospital stay was 3.3±1.8days. Synthetic plugs may be an alternative to bioprosthetic fistula plugs in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulas. This method might have better success rates than treatment with bioprosthetic fistula plugs.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in cryptoglandular anal fistulas.

BackgroundSphincter-preserving procedures for the treatment of transsphincteric fistulas fail in at least one out of every three patients. It has been suggested that failure is due to ongoing disease in the remaining fistula tract. Cytokines play an important role in inflammation. At present, biologicals targeting cytokines are available. Therefore, detection and identification of cytokines in anal fistulas might have implications for future treatment modalities. The objective of the present study was to assess local production of a selected panel of cytokines in anal fistulas, including pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).MethodsFistula tract tissue was obtained from 27 patients with a transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin who underwent flap repair, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract or a combination of both procedures. Patients with a rectovaginal fistula or a fistula due to Crohn’s disease were excluded. Frozen tissue samples were sectioned and stained using advanced immuno-enzyme staining methods for detection of selected cytokines, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-36 and TNF-α. The presence and frequencies of cytokine-producing cells in samples were quantitated.ResultsThe key finding was abundant expression of IL-1β in 93 % of the anal fistulas. Frequencies of IL-1β-producing cells were highest (>50 positive stained cells) in 7 % of the anal fistulas. Also, cytokines IL-8, IL-12p40 and TNF-α were present in respectively 70, 33 and 30 % of the anal fistulas.ConclusionsIL-1β is expressed in the large majority of cryptoglandular anal fistulas, as well as several other pro-inflammatory cytokines.

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.

Definitive seton management for transsphincteric fistula‐in‐ano: harm or charm?

The treatment of transsphincteric anal fistula requires a balance between eradication of the disease and preservation of faecal control. A cutting seton is an old tool that is now out of vogue for many surgeons. We hypothesized that the concept remains reliable and safe with results that exceed those reported for many of the more recently described methods. A retrospective review was conducted of real-time electronic health records (single institution, single surgeon) of patients presenting during the 14years between 2001 and 2014 with a transsphincteric anal fistula who were treated with a cutting seton. Excluded were patients with Crohn's disease, fistulae related to malignancy or a previous anastomosis and patients whose fistula was treated by another method including a loose draining seton. Data collection included demographics, duration of the disease, duration of the treatment, outcome and continence. In all, 121 patients (80 men) of mean age 40.2±12.2years (range 18-76) with a mean follow-up of 5.1±3.3 (1-24) months were included in the analysis. The median duration of symptoms was 6 (1-84) months; 36% had failed other fistula surgery, 12% had a complex fistula with more than one track and 35% had some form of comorbidity. The median time to healing was 3 (1-18) months; 7.4% required further surgery, but eventually 98% had complete fistula healing. The incontinence rate decreased postoperatively to 11.6% from 19% before treatment with 17/121 with pre-existing incontinence resolved and 8/107 new cases developing. Despite its retrospective non-comparative design, the study has demonstrated that a cutting seton is a safe, well tolerated and highly successful treatment for transsphincteric anal fistula and is followed overall by improved continence. The results compare very favourably with other techniques.

Management of low transsphincteric anal fistula with serial setons and interval muscle-cutting fistulotomy

This study evaluates low transsphincteric anal fistula managed by serial setons and interval fistulotomy, with attention to healing without recurrence and preservation of continence. Following Institutional Review Board approval, consecutive anal fistula operations performed by a single surgeon from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013 were retrospectively reviewed using electronic medical records and telephone interviews for patients lost to follow up. Of the 71 patients, 26 (37%) had low transsphincteric fistula (23 males and 3 females; mean age: 46 years), treated at our institution by seton placement followed by interval surgical muscle cutting and subsequent seton replacement or final fistulotomy. Of the 26 patients, 22 (85%) were initially referred due to previous failed treatment, with a 30.6 month mean duration of fistula prior to referral and a mean of 2.2 (range: 0–6) prior anorectal surgeries. At a mean follow-up of 11.9 months, none of the 21 patients experienced recurrence or fecal incontinence. Serial seton with interval muscle-cutting sphincterotomy followed by complete fistulotomy is an effective treatment for the management of patients who are either initially seen for low transsphincteric fistula, or referred after failed anorectal surgery for that condition.

The outcome of fistulotomy for anal fistula at 1year: a prospective multicentre French study.

The study aimed to evaluate outcome at 1 year of one- and two-stage fistulotomy for anal fistula in a large group of patients. A prospective multicentre observational study was designed to include patients with anal fistula treated by one- or two-stage fistulotomy. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire before surgery, during healing and at 1 year after surgery. Group A (133 patients) with a low anal fistula underwent a one-stage fistulotomy. The median Wexner scores before and after surgery were 1.0 (0-11) and 2.0 (0-18) (P = 0.032) and the median Vaizey scores were 2.0 (0-14) and 3.0 (0-21) (P = 0.055). The Wexner scores and percentage of patients before and after fistulotomy were as follows: 0-5: 88%, 86%; 6-10: 10.7%, 10.7%; 11-15: 1.0%, 2.6%; and 16-20: 0%, 2%. Eighty-seven per cent of the patients were satisfied. Group B (62 patients) underwent two-stage fistulotomy for a high transsphincteric fistula. The Wexner scores and percentage of patients before the first stage and 1 year after the second stage were as follows: 0-5: 86%, 66%; 6-10: 4.5%, 20%; 11-15: 9%, 11%; and 16-20: 0%, 2%. The median Wexner scores before the first stage and after the second stage were 1 (0-14) vs. 4 (0-19) (P < 0.001), and the median Vaizey scores were 1.5 (0-11) vs. 4 (0-20) (P < 0.001). Eighty-eight per cent of the patients were satisfied. Low transsphincteric anal fistula can be treated by fistulotomy without clinically significant continence disturbance. Treating high transsphincteric anal fistulae with two-stage fistulotomy is followed by mild continence disturbance. Satisfaction rates were high.

A prospective multicentre observational study of Permacol™ collagen paste for anorectal fistula: preliminary results

Permacol collagen paste (Permacol paste) is a new option for the treatment of anorectal fistula. It functions by filling the fistula tract with an acellular crosslinked porcine dermal collagen matrix suspension. The MASERATI 100 study group was set up to evaluate the clinical outcome of Permacol paste in the treatment of anorectal fistula. This paper reports the results from the initial 30 patients enrolled in the MASERATI 100 prospective, observational clinical trial. Patients (N = 30) with anal fistula presenting to 10 European academic surgical units were treated with a sphincter-preserving technique using Permacol paste. Fistula healing was assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, with the primary end-point of fistula healing at 6 months post-surgery. Faecal continence and patient satisfaction were recorded at each follow-up visit and adverse events were monitored throughout the follow-up. Of the 28 patients with data at 6 months post-surgery, 15 (54%) were healed, and the healing rate was maintained at 12 months. Healing after treatment with Permacol paste was similar for intersphincteric to transsphincteric fistulae and primary or recurrent fistulae. Only one patient exhibited an adverse event (perianal abscess) that was possibly related to the treatment. At the last outpatient visit, over 60% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the operation. Permacol paste is shown to be effective in treating primary and recurrent cryptoglandular anorectal fistula with minimal unwanted side effects.

Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound for diagnosis of perianal fistulas: Reliable and objective technique.

To evaluate accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) as compared to 2D-EAUS and physical examination (PE) in diagnosis of perianal fistulas and correlate with intraoperative findings. A prospective observational consecutive study was performed with patients included over a two years period. All patients were studied and operated on by the Colorectal Unit surgeons. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18, diagnosed with a criptoglandular perianal fistula. The PE, 2D-EAUS and 3D-EAUS was performed preoperatively by the same colorectal surgeon at the outpatient clinic prior to surgery and the fistula anatomy was defined and they were classified in intersphincteric, high or low transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric. Special attention was paid to the presence of a secondary tract, the location of the internal opening (IO) and the site of external opening. The results of these different examinations were compared to the intraoperative findings. Data regarding location of the IO, primary tract, secondary tract, and the presence of abscesses or cavities was analysed. Seventy patients with a mean age of 47 years (range 21-77), 51 male were included. Low transsphincteric fistulas were the most frequent type found (33, 47.1%) followed by high transsphincteric (24, 34.3%) and intersphincteric fistulas (13, 18.6%). There are no significant differences between the number of IO diagnosed by the different techniques employed and surgery (P > 0.05) and, there is a good concordance between intraoperative findings and the 2D-EAUS (k = 0.67) and 3D-EAUS (k = 0.75) for the diagnosis of the primary tract. The ROC curves for the diagnosis of transsphincteric fistulas show that both ultrasound techniques are adequate for the diagnosis of low transsphincteric fistulas, 3D-EAUS is superior for the diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistulas and PE is weak for the diagnosis of both types. 3D-EAUS shows a higher accuracy than 2D-EAUS for assessing height of primary tract in transsphincteric fistulas. Both techniques show a good concordance with intraoperative finding for diagnosis of primary tracts.

Loose Seton: A Misnomer of Cutting Seton

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate loose silk seton actually acts as a slow cutting seton contrary to the idea of simply drainage. Besides, to show the effect of loose seton on patient’s incontinence is mostly proportional to the degree of division of the sphincter muscle. Design: Fifty patients with high transsphincteric fistulas were treated with loose seton technique. We measured the length of high sphincteric fistula tracts, pre- and postoperative anal sphincter pressures and incontinence scores. Results: Loose seton with heavy silk resulted in 72% percent of progressive migration of the fistula tract caudally. The more the progressive migration of the loose seton loop, the less the pressure drop in both resting and squeezing in manometric studies. This study is limited by its retrospective design in prospectively collected data and covers relatively small number of patients. Conclusion: Seton is still useful technique in high perianal fistula surgery. Defining this technique as simply “loose” seton is misnomer since it acts as a slowly cutting seton and results in progressive migration of the fistula tract caudally. The more the progressive migration of the loose seton loop, the less the pressure drop would be possible after postoperatively.

Patients Satisfaction and Outcome of Fistulotomy Versus Fistulectomy for Low Anal Fistula

<i>Introduction:</i> Anal fistulae are still negatively influencing the patient's quality of life by causing minor pain, social hygienic embarrassment, and in severe cases, frank sepsis. Although a number of surgical techniques have been proposed to treat this condition, there is still no single ideal technique for the treatment of this disease. Generally, fistulectomy is an adequate surgical procedure for the treatment of a simple or low transsphincteric fistula while others reported that fistulotomy continues to have excellent results. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> This study represented parallel prospective randomized clinical trial where 200 patients were divided randomly into two main groups; A and B. Group A patients were subjected to fistulotomy and those of group B were subjected to fistulectomy for low anal fistulae. The study included all patients having low anal fistulae complicating perianal abscesses. Patients with high fistulae and patients with multiple external openings were excluded. The primary end point was anal incontinence and the secondary end points were time off from work, postoperative pain, wound discharge, wound healing and patients’ satisfaction. <i>Results:</i> The mean operative time, time taken for wound discharge to cease and time taken for complete healing was significantly less in patients of group A. Regarding the occurrence of fecal incontinence, no permanent cases were reported in our series but temporary incontinence was observed in 2 patients in fistulotomy group while in fistulectomy group there were 4 patients. Therefore, the overall patient satisfaction mean values were 90.6 ± 8.87and 85.6 ± 13.2 for patients in group A and B respectively with statistically insignificant distribution. <i>Conclusion:</i> Fistulotomy could be used as a primary treatment of low anal fistula as being safe and simple to perform with good patient’s satisfaction as regard postoperative pain and outcome.

Using autologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of complex fistulas.

This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of autologous fibrin gel rich in platelet growth factors for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas. Prospective epidemiological study. Patients with complex perianal fistula or perianal fistula mere alteration of continence are included. identification of both holes and the journey, curettage of it and instillation of Vivostat PRF® in the way it is done to observe excess material by OFE. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, use of prior Seton clinic prevalent type of fistula, postoperative complications, fistula closure and impaired quality of life using the SF-36 test (v2). From January 2011 to May 2013 have involved 23 patients, 12 men and 11 women, with an average age of 49 years and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Two dropped out. 17 patients had low transsphincteric fistulas, 2 and 2 high transsphincteric intersphincteric with impaired continence. The most common symptom is the discharge. Twelve patients had a loose seton (62%), of which nine cured. Of all the patients we have operated the success rate is 62%. No patient developed incontinence after treatment. Only two reported a worse quality of life after surgery. This study demonstrates that there is a clear benefit to the use of Vivostat PRF® as a treatment for complex perianal fistulas. It is a highly reproducible technique with acceptable results and does not produce impairment of continence.

3D-EAUS and MRI in the Activity of Anal Fistulas in Crohn’s Disease

Aim. This study aspires to assess the role of 3D-Endoanal Ultrasound (3D-EAUS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in preoperative evaluation of the primary tract and internal opening of perianal fistulas, of secondary extensions and abscess. Methods. During 2014, 51 Crohn's disease patients suspected for perianal fistula were enrolled. All patients underwent physical examination with both the methods and subsequent surgery. Results. In the evaluation of CD perianal fistulas, there are no significant differences between 3D-EAUS and MRI in the identification of abscess and secondary extension. Considering the location, 3D-EAUS was more accurate than MRI in the detection of intersphincteric fistulas (p value = 10−6); conversely, MRI was more accurate than 3D-EAUS in the detection of suprasphincteric fistulas (p value = 0.0327) and extrasphincteric fistulas (p value = 4 ⊕ 10−6); there was no significant difference between MRI and 3D-EAUS in the detection of transsphincteric fistulas. Conclusions. Both 3D-EAUS and MRI have a crucial role in the evaluation and detection of CD perianal fistulas. 3D-EAUS was preferable to MRI in the detection of intersphincteric fistulas; conversely, in the evaluation of suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric fistulas the MRI was preferable to 3D-EAUS.

Clinical observation of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract in the treatment of simple anal fistula

To investigate the clinical efficacy of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in the treatment of simple anal fistula, including transphincteric anal fistula and insphincteric anal fistula. Clinical data of 52 patients with anal fistula receiving surgery treatment in Beijing Anorectal Hospital from January to October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Adoption of surgical procedure was based on rectal endoluminal ultrasound and patients' decision. Patients were divided into LIFT group and seton group. The two groups were compared in terms of operation time, blood loss, postoperative pain score, incidence of urinary retention, wound healing time, cure rate, recurrence, and the anal incontinence score. There were 52 patients in the entire cohort including 28 cases of transphincteric anal fistula (14 cases of LIFT and seton placement groups) and 24 cases of intersphincteric anal fistula (12 case of LIFT and seton placement). The operation time was shorter in seton placement group in patients with two simple anal fistula [(23.9±5.0) min vs. (46.3±7.7) min, P<0.05]. LIFT postoperative pain score [(1.6±0.6) vs. (6.1±1.3)], wound healing time [(7.9±2.0) days vs. (30.0±5.1) days], postoperative hospital stay [(10.3±3.1) days vs. (20.7±7.1) days], and anal incontinence scores [(1.1±0.4) vs. (4.9±1.1)] were better than that of anal fistula seton (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperatie blood loss [(23.1±4.7) ml vs. (23.3±4.7) ml, P>0.05]. The cure rate of intersphincteric anal fistula was 83.3%(10/12) in LIFT group, and 100%(12/12) in the seton group. The cure rate of transphincteric anal fistula was 78.6% (11/14) in LIFT and 92.9%(13/14) in anal fistula seton group. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). In the treatment of transphincteric fistula tract and intersphincteric fistula tract, LIFT procedures should be considered.

The past, presence and future of ligation of intersphincteric fistulous tract for the treatment of fistula in ano

This paper is to summarize the successful rate, complication morbidity, and the impact of ligation of the intersphinteric fistula tract (LIFT) on anal continence, and to illustrate the efficacy of LIFT procedure for the treatment of high transphinteric fistula in ano and the challenging problems existed in practice through literature review retrospectively. LIFT procedure appears to be an effective sphincter conserving approach with less complications and minimal impact on anorectal function for the treatment of high transsphincteric fistula in ano.