Treatment Of Anal Fistula Research Articles

Closing the internal opening with a rectal advancement flap increases the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell injection for complex Crohn's disease anal fistulas.

The efficacy of injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for anal fistula treatment may be impaired by the persistence of stools passing into the fistula, causing bacterial contamination and a local inflammatory reaction. We aimed to compare remission rates between patients treated by MSC injection with simple sutures and those treated with a rectal advancement flap. This single-center prospective study compared the first patients who underwent internal opening closure with sutures with the subsequent patients treated with a flap. Complete clinical remission was defined as complete closure of the external opening(s) without pain or discharge, and complete radiological remission was defined as a Magnifi-CD score of 0. We compared the first 42 patients who had sutures with the 20 subsequent patients who had an advancement flap. The median follow-up was 15.5 [8.8-24.9]months. The cumulative incidence of complete clinical response at M12 was 53.8% [38.1-69.6%] in the suture group versus 93.3% [77.4-100.0] in the flap group (p < 0.001). The Magnifi-CD score was 0 for 41.7% [25.5-59.2%]) of patients treated with sutures versus 72.7% [39.0-63.9%]) of patients treated with a flap (p=0.093). Anal incontinence score did not differ between the two groups. Practicing an advancement flap was the only significant factor associated with complete clinical remission over time (adjusted HR [95% CI] of 2.6 [1.4-4.9], p = 0.003). Complete clinical remission rates following MSC injection are significantly higher after closure of the internal opening with a rectal flap than after closure with sutures, without consequences on anal continence.

Treatment of anal fistulas with Obsidian RFT®: just another autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam?

BackgroundSphincter-preserving techniques like autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam have gained popularity, offering potential for better functional outcomes in anal fistula treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Obsidian RFT®.MethodsThe study conducted a retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2022 on patients who received anal fistula closure with Obsidian RTF® at the Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Clinical diagnosis, complemented by radiographic imaging, was employed to confirm inconclusive cases.Demographic and fistula characteristics and postoperative data were collected from electronic records following STROCSS criteria.ResultsFifteen patients received Obsidian RFT® treatment for anal fistulas. We found no intra- and postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 3 days. After a median follow-up of 32 months, a closure rate of 53.3% was detected.Non-significant differences were observed in various variables, yet trends emerged, indicating associations between abscess presence and non-healing fistulas. A distinct age threshold (≥ 42.7 years) served as an indicator for an inability to achieve anal fistula cure.ConclusionObsidian RFT® represents a safe, minimally invasive operative procedure. Approximately half the patients experienced healing, with better outcome in a younger population.Trial RegistrationEthical Approval number Medical University of Vienna (#1258/2018). This study was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06136325).

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of complex anal fistula.

Anal fistula can be a challenging condition to manage, with complex fistulas presenting even greater difficulties. The primary concerns in treating this condition are a risk of damage to the anal sphincters, which can compromise fecal continence, and refractoriness to treatment, as evidenced by a high recurrence rate. Furthermore, the treatment of complex anal fistula involves several additional challenges. Satisfactory solutions to many of these obstacles remain elusive, and no consensus has been established regarding the available treatment options. In summary, complex anal fistula has no established gold-standard treatment, and the quest for effective therapies continues. This review discusses and highlights groundbreaking advances in the management of complex anal fistula over the past decade.

Efficacy and safety of transanal opening of intersphincteric space in the treatment of high complex anal fistula: A meta‑analysis.

The best treatment of high complex anal fistula (HCAF) is to avoid anal incontinence while improving the cure rate. On this basis, several surgical procedures for preserving the anal sphincter have been proposed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transanal opening of intersphincteric space for treating HCAF. PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Wanfang databases were searched to collate all the articles on transanal opening of intersphincteric space for treating HCAF. A total of two researchers independently completed the whole process, from screening and inclusion to data extraction and the data was included in the RevMan 5.3 software for analysis. The main outcomes included the patients' essential characteristics, primary healing rate, management after recurrence, final healing rate, anal incontinence score before and after surgery, postoperative complication rate and types of complications. A total of six articles were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the weighted final healing rate of patients following transanal opening of intersphincteric space was 89% [risk differences (RD)=0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.86-0.92; I2=0%; P<0.00001]. The results of the anal incontinence score showed that there was no significant difference between the results before and after transanal opening of intersphincteric space surgery mean differences [(MD)=-0.04, Cl=-0.10-0.02, I2=0%; P=0.21]. Only 11 patients were reported to have complications, including urinary retention and bleeding following transanal opening of intersphincteric space with a complication rate of 8% (11/138) and the weighted average complication rate was 6% (RD=0.06,95% CI=0.02-0.10; I2=9%; P=0.003). Transanal opening of intersphincteric space has a high cure rate, a favorable anal incontinence score, fewer types of postoperative complications and a low complication rate; it can be used as a minimally invasive and sphincter-preserving surgical method for treating HCAF and is worthy of further promotion and research in clinical practice.

Postoperative pain following laser fistula closure versus ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Prior studies focus primarily on surgical outcomes of anal fistula treatment, such as healing rates, rather than patient-reported outcomes, such as postoperative pain, which could influence surgical choice. To compare pain scores at 6 and 24h postoperatively between laser closure and ligation of the intersphincteric tract for anal fistula. Prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. A quaternary hospital in Malaysia. Patients aged 18-75years with high transsphincteric fistulas. Fistula laser closure versus ligation of the fistula tract (LIFT) treatment. Pain scores, continence, quality of life (QOL), operative time, and treatment failure were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, student t-test, or Mann-Whitney with p<0.05 denoting statistical significance. Fifty-six patients were recruited (laser, n=28, LIFT, n=28). Median pain scores for laser versus LIFT at 6h postoperatively were 1.0 versus 2.0 (Rest, p=0.213) and 3.0 versus 4.0 (Movement, p=0.448), respectively. At 24h, this reduced to 2.5 in both arms at rest (p=0.842) but increased to 4.8 versus 3.5 on movement (p=0.383). Median operative time for laser was significantly shorter (32.5min) than LIFT (p<0.001). Laser treated patients trended toward quicker return to work (10.5 vs. 14.0, p=0.181) but treatment failure was similar (54% vs. 50%, p=0.71). No patients developed postoperative incontinence. Mean SF-36 scores increased from baseline (67.1±17.0; 95% CI 63.6-82.4 vs. 71.3±11.4; 95% CI 64.0-75.0) to 6months postoperatively (77.7±21.0; 95% CI 57.0-80.3 vs. 74.0±14.3; 95% CI 67.6-81.4) regardless of the type of surgery (P>0.05). Patients with prior fistula surgery (approximately 20%) led to heterogeneity. The total laser energy delivered varied depending on fistula anatomy. Laser fistula closure is an alternative to LIFT, with similar postoperative pain and shorter operative time despite more complex fistula anatomy in the laser arm, with a greater improvement in QOL. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06212739.

Assessing the suitability of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for obese patients compared to conventional surgery: a question worth investigating

Background and aimsVideo-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is an innovative surgical approach enabling the direct visualization of the fistula tract structure. This study aims to assess the efficacy of VAAFT in comparison with that of traditional surgical methods and explore potential risk factors contributing to fistula recurrence to provide new recommendations for surgical selection.Materials and methodsInformation was collected from 100 patients with complex anal fistula (CAF) in our hospital who underwent surgical treatment from January 2021 to January 2023. We compared the baseline information and surgical outcomes of two groups, analyzed the risk factors for fistula recurrence by using logistic regression analysis, and conducted further exploration by using the body mass index.ResultsEqual numbers of patients underwent VAAFT and traditional surgeries, and no significant differences in baseline information were observed. Patients who received VAAFT experienced less intraoperative bleeding (15.5 (14.0–20.0) vs. 32.0 (25.0–36.0)), shorter hospital stays (2.0 (2.0–2.5) vs. 3.0 (3.0–3.5)), reduced postoperative pain and wound discharge, but longer operative times (43.3 ± 6.9 vs. 35.0 (31.5–40.0)) compared with patients who underwent traditional surgeries. No significant differences in recurrence rates were found three and six months after operation (the p-values were 0.790 and 0.806, respectively). However, the Wexner scores of the VAAFT group were significantly low in the first follow-up (0 (0–1.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0–2.0)). Postoperative recurrence of fistulas may be associated with obesity (p-value = 0.040), especially in patients undergoing traditional surgeries (p-value = 0.036).ConclusionVAAFT offers advantages, such as less pain, less trauma, and faster recovery, compared with traditional surgical treatment. Obese patients with CAF are prone to recurrence, and we recommend that they undergo VAAFT treatment rather than traditional surgeries.

Allogenic Stem Cells in Anal Fistulas of Crohn's Disease: From Promising Premises to Real Life Experience.

Allogenic adipocyte stem cells represent an unprecedented opportunity for regenerative therapy to treat Crohn anal fistulas. Apart from the results of one 8-year-old trial, scientific evidence remains scarce. Data from consecutive patients treated with darvadstrocel for Crohn anal fistulas were reviewed at 6 first tertiary reference centers. The judgment criteria combined asymptomatic status plus clinical occlusion of the fistula tract and MRI-confirmed healing of the tract (no inflammation and/or disappearance of the tract). Both clinical and MRI-confirmed healing of the tract defined a deep remission. Clinical remission was defined by an absence of complaint, occlusion of all external openings, and no fistula discharge. A total of 116 patients were extracted (median follow-up after cell stem injection: 11 [6-14] months). No severe adverse events were reported after surgery except for subsequent anal surgery in 29 (25%) patients. Fifty-one (44%) patients had clinical remission defined by the absence of complaints, the occlusion of all external openings, and the presence of no fistula discharge. Deep remission was observed in 23 (29%) patients. Patients with clinical remission more often received combined therapy (immunosuppressant antitumor necrosis factors) than those with no improvement (31 of 51 [61%] vs 23 of 65 [35%]; P = .007). Regression analysis showed that high fistulas (odds ratio, 3.8 [1.1-12.5]; P = .03) and younger age (<38 years, odds ratio, 2.3 [1.0-58;4]; P = .02) were associated with a better outcome. Allogeneic stem cell treatment of Crohn's anal fistulas results in complete remission in less than half of patients, with a significant reintervention rate.

Immediate sphincter repair following fistulotomy for anal fistula: does it impact the healing rate and septic complications?

Fistulotomy is considered the most effective treatment for anal fistula; however, it carries a risk of incontinence. Sphincteroplasty in the setting of fistulotomy is not standard practice due to concerns regarding healing and potential infectious complications. We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent fistulotomy with primary sphincteroplasty to those who did not undergo repair. This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent fistulotomy for cryptoglandular anal fistula. All operations were performed by one colorectal surgeon. Sphincteroplasty was performed for patients perceived to be at higher risk for continence disturbance. The main outcome measures were the healing rate and postoperative septic complications. In total, 152 patients were analyzed. Group A (fistulotomy with sphincteroplasty) consisted of 45 patients and group B (fistulotomy alone) included 107 patients. Both groups were similar in age (P=0.16) and sex (P=0.20). Group A had higher proportions of multiple fistulas (26.7% vs. 6.5%, P<0.01) and complex fistulas (mid to high transsphincteric, 37.8% vs. 10.3%; P<0.01) than group B. The median follow-up time was 8 weeks. The overall healing rate was similar in both groups (93.3% vs. 90.6%, P=0.76). No significant difference between the 2 groups was noted in septic complications (6.7% vs. 3.7%, P=0.42). Fistulotomy with primary sphincter repair demonstrated a comparable healing rate to fistulotomy alone, without an increased risk of postoperative septic complications. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the functional outcomes of patients who undergo sphincteroplasty.

FiLaCTM: The Latest Revolution in Anal Fistula Treatment - A Literature Review of Various Therapeutic Techniques

Anal fistula, an abnormal tunnel anal and rectal’s mucosa to surrounding skin in anus or perianal region, has long been considered a complex clinical challenge. This condition often poses a threat in long-term treatment due to the recurrence high risk and incontinence. In this article, we narratively review a number of scientific literatures regarding new treatment techniques which been employed to address anal fistula in the past five years. We objectively evaluate the pros and cons of each technique according to clinical outcomes, and aim to explore the most effective treatment strategy for anal fistula. To date, surgery remains the primary method used to treat anal fistula. However, there has not yet been a single technique that is simple and capable of fully curing complex anal fistulas. In undertaking surgical treatment, both healing outcomes and the protection of anal function must be comprehensively considered.

Accuracy prediction of Goodsall's rule for anal fistulas of crypotogladular origin, is still standing?

Treatment of anal fistulas is still a challenging task because of high recurrence and risk of incontinence. Identification of internal fistula opening is paramount for successful treatment. Goodsall's rule is commonly used to predict the course of fistula and internal opening. However, its accuracy has been questioned by many investigators and its role became a controversial topic. This is a case series prospective study in which 320 consecutive patients with anal fistula with Mean age 48.9± 6 years ages (ranges from 16 to 64years) and mean body mass index 24.8± 5.5 average 18.5-30.6) were enroled. Goodsall's rule was applied to all fistulas according to the site of external fistula opening. Location of internal fistula opening as suggested by Goodsall's rule then compared to the exact location of internal opening identified by perineal or pelvic MRI and intraoperative findings. to assess the accuracy and positive predictive value of the Goodsall's rule in predicting the internal opening of the tract. The overall accuracy rate, positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity and specificity of Goodsall's rule in this study were 74.75%, 77.1, 74.5, and 72.05, respectively. The accuracy in predicting the internal fistula opening was 52.4% in anterior tracts and 73% in posterior tracts. Goodsall's rule was found to be more accurate in posterior fistulas than anterior fistulas and in short superficial fistulas rather than in long and high fistulas. Goodsall's rule was accurate in 74.75% of anal fistulas. It was more accurate for posterior long fistulas and anterior short and superficial fistulas. Patients with long (>3cm) anterior fistulas defied Goodsall's rule when they found to have fistulas tracking to a midline anterior origin. Further, short posterior fistulas were found to open more commonly in a direct radial course rather to midline posteriorly.

Perianal Fistula; from Etiology to Treatment - A Review.

Anal fistula has been a challenging clinical issue for years due to its complex pathogenesis. The risk of frequent recurrence and incontinence complicates long-term treatment. Recent scientific literature has reviewed new techniques used for anal fistula treatment in recent years, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each based on clinical outcomes. Although surgery is the main method used to treat anal fistula, there is no simple technique that can completely heal complex anal fistula. The surgical treatment should consider the healing outcome and the protection of anal function comprehensively. Several innovative techniques have emerged in recent years, such as combined techniques based on drainage seton and LIFT-plug, which appear to be relatively effective therapies. However, more multi-center prospective trials with long-term follow-up are needed to validate their effectiveness. In some situations, medical treatment may also be considered.

Clinical Study on the Treatment of Low Anal Fistula in Infants and Young Children by Anal Gland Excision and Virtual Hanging Procedure

Objective: To compare the efficacy of anal adenectomy with virtual hanging wire and anal fistulotomy in the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children. Methods: 60 children with low anal fistula who were admitted to our hospital from October 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups of 30 cases each; the treatment group was treated with anal adenectomy and virtual hanging wire surgery, and the control group was treated with anal fistula resection. The clinical efficacy after treatment was compared. Results: The total effective rate of both groups was 96.67% and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). The postoperative pain score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The length of hospitalization and healing time of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The anal function of the patients in both groups was normal, and there was no adverse reaction. Conclusion: Anal gland excision and virtual hanging surgery for the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children have the advantages of mild pain, reduced length of hospitalization, short healing time, and better patient experience as compared to anal fistula excision.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with ozonide oil dressing: standardization of technique in pediatric patients

BackgroundAnal fistula and perianal abscess are commonly acquired anorectal pathologies in children. Surgical treatment options commonly adopted are fistulotomy, fistulectomy, cutting seton placement, and more recently video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Optimal postoperative wound dressing remains debated. This study aimed to report our series of pediatric patients, who received VAAFT and postoperative wound dressing using ozonide oil.MethodsAll patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2018 and May 2023 were included in the study. Demographics, clinical features, pre-operative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and mid-term outcome data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. All VAAFT procedures were performed under general anesthesia and using a 10-Ch fistuloscope.ResultsThirty-three VAAFT procedures were performed in 30 patients over the study period. The median patient age was 5.7 years (range 1.75–14). Anal fistula was idiopathic in 26/30 (86.6%), iatrogenic in 2/30 (6.7%), and secondary to Crohn’s disease in 2/30 (6.7%). The median duration of surgery was 23 min (range 18–40). All patients received ozonide oil dressing twice a day for 5 weeks postoperatively. The median hospital stay was 24 h (range 9–36). The median healing time was 28 days (range 17–39). With a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5–5), disease recurrence occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients with idiopathic fistula, who were re-operated using the same technique, with no further recurrence. No fecal incontinence or soiling was observed.ConclusionOur series confirmed that VAAFT is a safe and effective technique to treat children with perianal fistula. The technique is versatile, allowing to treat fistulae of different etiologies. Postoperative course was painless and fast. Future comparative prospective studies are needed to better establish these conclusions.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract as an Emergency Treatment for Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a sphincter-preserving procedure for treating anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin. Our prospective study aimed to determine the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing LIFT in emergency and elective settings. This was a single-centre prospective observational study of the LIFT procedure for the treatment of anal fistulas. The differences in the 6-month postoperative outcomes between the emergency and elective procedures were analysed, including the healing rate, healing time, recurrence rate, recurrence time, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. Twenty-two patients were recruited for this study: 11 patients underwent LIFT as an emergency procedure (EM-LIFT), while the others underwent LIFT as an elective procedure (EL-LIFT). The healing rate for the EM-LIFT group was 90.9% (n = 10), with a median healing time of 2 months (range 0.5-4). For the EL-LIFT group, the healing rate was 100% (n = 11), with the same median healing time of 2 months (range 0.5-4). Two of the patients in the EM-LIFT group developed recurrence, with a median recurrence time of 5 months (range 4-6) and three developed recurrence in the EL-LIFT group, with the same median recurrence time of 5 months (range 4-6). There were minor postoperative complications of pain and subcutaneous infection, with no faecal incontinence. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes between the groups. EM-LIFT is a feasible and safe primary procedure for active cryptoglandular-type anal fistulas.

P933 Closing the internal opening with a rectal advancement flap increases the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injection in the treatment of complex Crohn's disease anal fistulas

Abstract Background The injection of MSCs into complex anoperineal fistulas of Crohn's disease gives a combined clinical and radiological remission of between 35 and 50% at 12 months. In our department, surgical closure is now done by rectal advancement flap (and no longer with simple stitches) in order to minimize the passage of stools and contamination of the fistula tract. The aim of this study was to compare the remission rate and the quality of life between patients treated with MSC injection using simple stitches versus a rectal flap to close the internal opening. Methods This single-center prospective study included all our consecutive patients who had a MSC injection. The first patients of the series who had closure of the internal opening(s) with stitches (2020- 2022) were compared with those who had a flap (2022-2023). Complete clinical remission was defined by complete closure of the external opening(s) without pain or discharge, and complete radiological remission by a Magnifi-CD score equal to 0 (Hindryckx P, et al. Gastroenterology 2019). Quality of Life was assessed by the Crohn's Anal Fistula Quality of Life scale (CAF-QoL) (Adegbola SO, et al. Gut 2021). Results We included 68 patients (50% women, mean age: 38 ± 13.8 years). The first 42 had stitches and the following 20 had an advancement flap (6 patients had no procedure due to an anal stenosis). The median follow-up was 12 months [6-24]. The overall complete clinical remission was 66.7% at M12: 51.1% [35.5-66.8] in the "stitches" group versus 87.5% [69.7-100.0] in the "flap" group (p = 0.005) (Figure). The difference was noticed early from M1. The mean overall Magnifi-CD MRI score decreased from 15.5 ± 4.7 to 6.5 ± 7.1 at M12 (p &amp;lt; 0.001) with no difference between the 2 groups. However, more patients in the flap group had a Magnifi-CD score of 0: 62.5% versus 38.2%. The CAF-QoL quality of life score improved from 51.3 ± 24.7 to 21.2 ± 20.8 at M12 (p &amp;lt; 0.001) with no significant difference between the 2 groups. The duration of the procedure was longer on average by 19 ± 7 minutes in the "flap" group. There was no difference in the anal incontinence score between the 2 groups. In logistic regression, the advancement flap was significantly associated with complete clinical remission (p = 0.007, HR (95% CI): 2.3 [1.3-4.3]). Conclusion Closing the internal opening with a rectal advancement flap improves the effectiveness of MSC injections with a complete clinical and radiological remission rate of 87.5% and 62.5% respectively, without consequences on anal continence.

National observational study about the surgical treatment of anal fistula: Does the kind of hospital modify the results?

IntroductionPerforming the surgical procedure in a high-volume center has been seen to be important for some surgical procedures. However, this issue has not been studied for patients with an anal fistula (AF). Material and methodsA retrospective multicentric study was performed including the patients who underwent AF surgery in 2019 in 56 Spanish hospitals. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to analyse the relationship between hospital volume and AF cure and fecal incontinence (FI). Results1809 patients were include. Surgery was performed in a low, middle, and high-volume hospitals in 127 (7.0%), 571 (31.6%) y 1111 (61.4%) patients respectively. After a mean follow-up of 18.9 months 72.3% (1303) patients were cured and 132 (7.6%) developed FI. The percentage of patients cured was 74.8%, 75.8% and 70.3% (p = 0.045) for low, middle, and high-volume hospitals. Regarding FI, no statistically significant differences were observed depending on the hospital volume (4.8%, 8.0% and 7.7% respectively, p = 0.473). Multivariate analysis didńt observe a relationship between AF cure and FI. ConclusionCure and FI in patients who underwent AF surgery were independent from hospital volume.

Efficacy and Safety of Endorectal Advancement Flap for the Treatment of Anal Fistula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Complex anal fistula poses a significant challenge for anorectal surgeons due to its high risks of recurrence and incontinence. A sphincter-preserving procedure named endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) is gradually being applied to clinical practice. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERAF in managing anal fistula. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for relevant manuscripts published from 29 August 2003 to 29 August 2023. Among these studies, outcomes included healing rate, recurrence rate, incontinence rate, and complications. Furthermore, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The heterogeneity was determined using the chi-squared test and I2 statistic. A random effects model was applied if significant heterogeneity (p < 0.05 and I2 > 50%) was observed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding studies with a high risk of bias. Thirty-eight studies were included in the present analysis, involving 1559 participants. The pooled healing rate and recurrence rate of ERAF were 65.5% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 57.6%-73.4%) and 19.6% (95% CI: 14.8%-24.4%), respectively. The pooled incontinence rate was 10.6% (95% CI: 6.0%-15.1%). According to the subgroup analysis, the healing rate, recurrence rate, and incontinence rate of ERAF for fistula associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were 53.9% (95% CI: 38.1%-69.7%), 32.6% (95% CI: 21.3%-43.8%), and 2.8% (95% CI: 0%-10.6%), respectively. For patients without IBD, the healing rate, recurrence rate, and incontinence rate of ERAF were 70.6% (95% CI: 63.9%-77.4%), 15.7% (95% CI: 9.9%-21.5%), and 16.5% (95% CI: 8.1%-24.9%), respectively. We observed that bleeding, local infection or abscess, flap dehiscence, and haematomas were the common complications, with incidences of 2.2% (95% CI: 0%-4.5%), 9.5% (95% CI: 4.7%-14.4%), 10.4% (95% CI: 0.0%-21.6%), and 12.4% (95% CI: 0%-27.6%), respectively. ERAF may be an optional treatment for anal fistula from the perspective of effectiveness and safety. PROSPERO: CRD42023451451.

Efficacy and safety of video-assisted anal fistula treatment in anorectal fistula: a meta-analysis.

By searching relevant literature, the recurrence rate, complication rate after video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), and efficacy and safety of the treatment were analyzed. Articles that reported the outcomes of VAAFT up to December 2020 were searched in PubMed (Medline) and Cochrane Library, in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) screening guidelines. Two researchers independently completed the whole process from screening and inclusion to quality evaluation and bias risk assessment, and the data was included in the RevMan 5.3 software for analysis. The main outcomes were demographic data of patients, detection rate, classification of internal opening of anorectal fistula, postoperative recurrence rate, and incidence of complications. A total of 10 articles were included (779 patients). The average age of the patients was 44 years old, average operation time was 60 min, and the average follow-up time was 22 months. The ratio of male to female was 2.4:1, the ratio of high anorectal fistula to low anorectal fistula was 6.6:1, the detection rate of internal openings was 98%, the weighted recurrence rate was 24%, and the weighted complication rate was 1%. VAAFT is effective and safe in the treatment of anorectal fistulas.

The occurrence, precaution and treatment strategies of postoperative fecal incontinence in rectal and anal diseases

In the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, rectal cancer, anal fissures, or anal fistulas, inadvertent damage to the nerves or muscles responsible for bowel control may potentially lead to varying degrees of fecal incontinence (FI). Surgeons need to conduct preoperative assessments based on the patient's individual condition to select an appropriate surgical plan, aiming to minimize the incidence of postoperative FI and improve the patient's postoperative quality of life as much as possible while effectively treating the disease. Additionally, the proficiency of the surgeon's skills, appropriate preoperative dietary adjustments for the patient, regular bowel habits, and exercises targeting the pelvic floor muscles all contribute to reducing the incidence of postoperative FI in patients. For patients who have already developed FI after surgery, on the basis of suitable diet, regular bowel habits, and medication, clinical practitioners can adopt such methods as biofeedback, pelvic floor muscle exercise, sacral nerve stimulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, acupuncture, injectable bulking agents, anal or vaginal inserts, transanal irrigation, surgical interventions, psychological support, etc., to individualized treatment for patients' conditions. This article, combining the literature, summarizes the current status of common diseases that may lead to postoperative FI. It elaborates on strategies for the prevention and treatment of postoperative FI, aiming to serve as a reference for peers in the field.

European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula.

The primary aim of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Guideline Development Group (GDG) was to produce high-quality, evidence-based guidelines for the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula with input from a multidisciplinary group and using transparent, reproducible methodology. Previously published methodology in guideline development by the ESCP has been replicated in this project. The guideline development process followed the requirements of the AGREE-S tool kit. Six phases can be identified in the methodology. Phase one sets the scope of the guideline, which addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula in adult patients presenting to secondary care. The target population for this guideline are healthcare practitioners in secondary care and patients interested in understanding the clinical evidence available for various surgical interventions for anal fistula. Phase two involved formulation of the GDG. The GDG consisted of 21 coloproctologists, three research fellows, a radiologist and a methodologist. Stakeholders were chosen for their clinical and academic involvement in the management of anal fistula as well as being representative of the geographical variation among the ESCP membership. Five patients were recruited from patient groups to review the draft guideline. These patients attended two virtual meetings to discuss the evidence and suggest amendments. In phase three, patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes questions were formulated by the GDG. The GDG ratified 250 questions and chose 45 for inclusion in the guideline. In phase four, critical and important outcomes were confirmed for inclusion. Important outcomes were pain and wound healing. Critical outcomes were fistula healing, fistula recurrence and incontinence. These outcomes formed part of the inclusion criteria for the literature search. In phase five, a literature search was performed of MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by eight teams of the GDG. Data were extracted and submitted for review by the GDG in a draft guideline. The most recent systematic reviews were prioritized for inclusion. Studies published since the most recent systematic review were included in our analysis by conducting a new meta-analysis using Review manager. In phase six, recommendations were formulated, using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations, in three virtual meetings of the GDG. In seven sections covering the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula, there are 42 recommendations. This is an up-to-date international guideline on the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula using methodology prescribed by the AGREE enterprise.