Sphincter-preserving fistula management: what patients want

Mucosal advancement flap versus ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract for management of trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas in the elderly: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

There is no consensus on the standard approach for trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas (TPAF) in the elderly population. The most commonly used sphincter-saving procedures are ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) and mucosal advancement flap (MAF). We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrence and incontinence in elderly patients with TPAF using both approaches.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 257 patients who underwent LIFT (136 patients) or MAF (121 patients) for de novo and cryptoglandular TPAF between July 2018 and July 2021. Recurrent fistulas were clinically and radiologically detected using MRI. Postoperative incontinence was evaluated using the Wexner score and anorectal manometry. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the risks of recurrence and incontinence.

RESULTS

The median ages of the patients were 68 (64, 74) and 68 (65, 74) years in the LIFT and MAF groups, respectively. Higher recurrence rates were observed after LIFT (17 (12.5%)) than after MAF (13 (10.7%)), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.662). Postoperative incontinence was observed in 18 patients (13.2%) and seven patients (5.8%) in the LIFT and MAF groups, respectively (P = 0.044). The predictors for fistula recurrence were smoking (OR, 75.52; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5611.35; P = 0.049), length of tract (OR, 17.3; 95% CI, 1.49 to 201.13; P = 0.023), and CD classification (OR, 7.08; 95% CI, 1.51 to 33.14; P = 0.013). A low Charlson comorbidity index score (≤ 5) (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.99; P = 0.046) and high postoperative mean squeeze anal pressure (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99; P = 0.001) were significant factors associated with reduced risk of incontinence. In particular, LIFT was associated with a significantly higher risk of incontinence than MAF (OR, 2.089; 95% CI, 1.006 to 4.33; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The healing rates of MAF and LIFT procedures did not differ significantly; however, continence was significantly better after MAF. MAF should be added to the guidelines as a good option for the treatment of TPAF in elderly patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered as a clinical trial www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT06616662).

Closure of Fistula-in-Ano Using a Radial-Emitting Laser Probe: Initial Experience in Lagos, Nigeria

Background

Fistula-in-ano treatment has remained quite challenging with high failure rates and a potential for damage to the anal sphincteric complex leading to flatal or faecal incontinence. The treatment of fistula-in-ano using the fistula laser closure (FiLaC) as a minimally invasive, sphincter-saving procedure for complex disease has recently been documented.

Objectives

This review aimed to report the outcome of using it at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Patients and Methods

The procedures were performed with a radially emitting laser fibre from Biolitec AG-CeramOptec (Bonn, Germany). The duration of symptoms, type of fistula, duration of the procedures, and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results

Eleven male patients had laser fistula-in-ano closure. The age range was 33-51 years, with a median age of 39 years and an interquartile range (IQR) of 37-47 years. Five patients were noted to have high fistula/e, whereas six had low fistula/e, seven had a single tract each, and three had three tracts each. The duration of surgery ranged, approximately from 3 to 60 min, with a median of 19 min and IQR of 9-33 min. Postoperative pain was mild in all patients and were all discharged as day case. There was no postoperative wound infection, anal incontinence, anal stenosis, and subcutaneous abscess. However, there was a recurrence in two patients.

Conclusions

FiLaC has been demonstrated to be a reliable and safe sphincter-saving procedure for treating fistula-in-ano even for complex and high fistulae that is feasible in our subregion.

Would Surgeons Like to Be Submitted to Anal Fistulotomy? An International Web-Based Survey

Traditional fistulotomy is the most performed surgical procedure in anal fistula surgery. We conducted an international online survey to explore colorectal surgeons' opinions and preferences on fistulotomy. Considering the healing and continence impairment rates reported in the literature, surgeons were invited to answer as a hypothetic patient susceptible to being submitted to fistulotomy for low and high anal fistula. A total of 767 surgeons completed the survey from 72 countries. The majority of respondents were consultants, having treated more than 20 anal fistulas in the last year. Most of them declared that anal fistula would be able to negatively affect quality of life and would be worried/anxious about it. Taking into account all aspects, 87.5% and 37.8% of respondents would agree to be treated with a fistulotomy in case of a low and high fistula, respectively, with an acceptance rate that varied worldwide. At multivariate analysis, factors correlated to the acceptance of anal fistulotomy were male gender (p = 0.003), practice of less than 20 fistula operations during last year (p = 0.020), and low fistula (p < 0.001). Surgeons recognized the extreme complexity of this approach. This study highlighted the necessity of an accurate patients' selection and the adoption of alternative strategy to reduce the risk of anal continence impairment.

FISSIT (Fistula Surgery in Italy) study: A retrospective survey on the surgical management of anal fistulas in Italy over the last 15 years

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of anal fistulas is still a challenge. The aims of this study were to evaluate the adoption and healing rates for the different surgical techniques used in Italy over the past 15 years.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective observational study of patients affected by simple and complex anal fistulas of cryptoglandular origin who were surgically treated in the period 2003-2017. Surgical techniques were grouped as sphincter-cutting or sphincter-sparing and as technology-assisted or techno-free. All patients included in the study were followed for at least 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 9,536 patients (5,520 simple; 4,016 complex fistulas) entered the study. For simple fistulas, fistulotomy was the most frequently used procedure, although its adoption significantly decreased over the years (P < .0005), with an increase in sphincter-sparing approaches; the overall healing rate in simple fistulas was 81.1%, with a significant difference between sphincter-cutting (91.9%) and sphincter-sparing (65.1%) techniques (P = .001). For complex fistulas, the adoption of sphincter-cutting approaches decreased, while sphincter-sparing techniques were mildly preferred (P < .0005). Moreover, there was a significant trend toward the use of technology-assisted procedures. The overall healing rate for complex fistulas was 69.0%, with a measurable difference between sphincter-cutting (81.1%) and sphincter-sparing (61.4%; P = .001) techniques and between techno-free and technology-assisted techniques (72.5% and 55.0%, respectively; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of anal fistulas has changed, with a trend toward the use of sphincter-sparing techniques. The overall cure rate has remained stable, even if the most innovative procedures have achieved a lower success rate.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment combined with anal fistula plug for treatment of horseshoe anal fistula

Objective

Horseshoe anal fistula is a common anorectal disease, and there is no standard procedure for its treatment. In this study, we performed a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of horseshoe anal fistula and investigated its efficacy and adverse effects.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of video-assisted anal fistula treatment combined with an anal fistula plug (VAAFT-Plug) in 26 patients with a horseshoe anal fistula. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 18 months. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected to analyze the cure rate, anal sphincter function, and incidence of complications.

Results

The surgeries were successfully performed in all patients, 23 of whom were cured (effective cure rate of 88.46%). Three patients developed recurrence and were cured after traditional surgery. No patients developed severe complications or postoperative anal incontinence. The VAAFT-Plug protocol was performed with a small incision in the fistula that subsequently promoted fistula healing and preserved sphincter function.

Conclusion

Although randomized controlled trials will be needed to fully validate these findings, our results suggest that VAAFT-Plug represents a promising treatment strategy for horseshoe anal fistulas. This technique preserves normal anal function and achieves satisfactory outcomes in most patients.

A New, Conservative Treatment for Perianal Fistula that May Halve the Need for Surgical Intervention: Case Series

PURPOSE

In the last two decades, many sphincter preservation techniques have been proposed for the treatment of anal fistula. Since 2011, our surgical team has treated fistulas by sealing them with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This is performed actually as an outpatient process, without anaesthesia.

METHODS

Patients were treated with PRF sealant, during the period June 2012-March 2017. The fibrin preparation is applied in the fistulous tract, with no need for any type of anaesthesia, and so the patient can go home immediately afterwards, without further observation.

RESULTS

After an average follow-up of 26.49 months, the perianal fistula had healed completely in 52.86% of the patients (n = 37), who each received an average of 1.92 sealant operations. In another 10 cases, the sealing was initially successful, but a relapse occurred during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The outpatient treatment of perianal fistula with PRF is totally harmless, is very low cost and achieves very acceptable results. In our opinion, therefore, this could be considered an appropriate initial treatment for perianal fistula, with surgical treatment being reserved if this approach is unsuccessful, thereby avoiding many complications and producing significant economic savings for the health system.

Assessing Surgeons' Preferences in the Management of Fistula In Ano

Background

Fistula in ano is a common condition treated by surgeons worldwide. Despite this, there is a paucity of high-quality data to aid decision-making. Hence, management presents a difficult and frustrating dilemma for the treating surgeon.

Methods

A prospective regional survey was sent to all members of General Surgeons Australia. Questions regarding surgeon demographics, patient evaluation, perianal abscess, and simple and complex fistula in ano were presented.

Results

Equipoise exists in the management of fistula in ano among general surgeons. This was noted in the management of simple and complex fistula in ano.

Conclusion

Because of the uncertainty in certain clinical scenarios and a paucity of high-quality randomized controlled trials on the management of fistula in ano, evidence-based practice is a challenge to the treating surgeon.

A prospective evaluation of the outcome of submucosal ligation of fistula tract

AIM

Fistula-in-ano (FIA) is an anomalous passage between perianal skin and the anal canal or the rectum that presents many management difficulties. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) was introduced as a cost-effective sphincter-saving procedure with a reported success rate of 94.4%. Unfortunately, this procedure is technically challenging, and recently submucosal ligation of fistula tract (SLOFT), a simplification of LIFT, was proposed. Our aim was to assess the SLOFT technique over a longer follow-up period to determine its effectiveness.

METHOD

A prospective observational study was performed in 47 patients with FIA treated by SLOFT from September 2017 to February 2019.

RESULTS

There were 47 patients, of whom 33(70.2%) were men. The median age was 39 years (range 30-50 years). All the patients had primary FIA of cryptoglandular origin. The patients were followed up for 1 year and were postoperatively assessed at 2, 4, 12 and 24 weeks and 1 year. The median body mass index was 27.3 kg/m² (range 24.3-29.4 kg/m² ) and the median duration of surgery was 15 min (range 13-20 min). Most (83.0%) of the fistulas were trans-sphincteric. The success rates at the end of 24 weeks and 1 year were 87.2% and 80.9%, respectively. No postoperative incontinence was recorded.

CONCLUSION

In our series the success rate of SLOFT was 80.9%. There were no sphincter-related complications. Repeat SLOFT was feasible for cases of recurrence. Therefore, SLOFT should be considered an alternative sphincter-saving procedure to LIFT for the management of FIA.

Evaluation and management of perianal abscess and anal fistula: SICCR position statement

Perianal sepsis is a common condition ranging from acute abscess to chronic anal fistula. In most cases, the source is considered to be a non-specific cryptoglandular infection starting from the intersphincteric space. Surgery is the main treatment and several procedures have been developed, but the risks of recurrence and of impairment of continence still seem to be an unresolved issue. This statement reviews the pertinent literature and provides evidence-based recommendations to improve individualized management of patients.

Anal Fistula Laser Closure: the length of fistula is the Achilles' heel

BACKGROUND

Laser closure is a novel sphincter-saving technique for the treatment of anal fistula. The aim of this study was to report middle term results of laser treatment without closure of the internal orifice and to identify prognostic factors to improve selection criteria and maximize healing.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients treated with laser for transphinteric anal fistula. A diode laser emitting laser energy of 12W at a wavelength of 1470 nm was used. The relationship between fistula healing and age, sex, previous fistula surgery, location of fistula, and length of fistula tract was investigated. A successful outcome was defined by the complete healing of the surgical wound and external opening for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (16 males, median age 52 years, range 26-72 years) underwent laser fistula closure between January 2015 and December 2016. Cure was achieved in 10 patients (33.3%). The mean follow-up was 11.30 months (range 6-24 months). Patients with persistent or recurrent fistula were offered repeat surgery. Eventually 4 underwent laser treatment once more. Two patients were cured leading to an overall healing rate of 40% (12 out of 30). Only 4 minor complications occurred (13.3%). No worsening of anal continence was registered. Only fistula length had a statistically significant correlation with successful treatment. Fistula tracts shorter than 30 mm were associated with a primary healing rate of 58.3% while tracts longer than 30 mm were cured in only 16.6% of cases (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser closure is a safe and effective treatment for transphinteric anal fistula. The fistula length is the only significant prognostic factor when closing anal fistulas exclusively with laser: shorter fistulas have a better outcome.

Analysis and description of disease-specific quality of life in patients with anal fistula

INTRODUCTION

In patients diagnosed with anal fistula, knowing the quality of life specifically related to the disease can help coloproctology specialists to choose the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for each case. The aim of our study is to analyzse and describe the factors related to the specific quality of life in a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with anal fistula.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional study carried out from March 2015 to February 2017. All patients were assessed in the colorectal surgery unit of a hospital in southeast of Spain. After performing an initial anamnesis and a physical examination, patients diagnosed with anal fistula completed the Quality of Life in Ppatients with Anal Fistula Questionnaire (QoLAF-Q). This questionnaire specifically measures quality of life in people with anal fistula and its score range is the following: zero impact = 14 points, limited impact = 15 to 28 points, moderate impact = 29 to 42 points, high impact = 43 to 56 points, and very high impact = 57 to 70 points.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were included. The median score obtained in the questionnaire for the sample studied was 34.00 (range=14-68). Statistically significant differences between patients with "primary anal fistula" (n=65) and "recurrent anal fistula" (n=15) were observed (mean rank=42.96 vs. mean rank=29.83, p=0.048). Furthermore, an inverse proportion (P=.016) between "time with clinical symptoms" and "impact on quality of life" was found (<6 months: mean rank = 45.55; 6-12 months: mean rank = 44.39; 1-2 years: mean rank = 37.83; 2-5 years: mean rank = 22; >5 years: mean rank = 19.00). There were no statistically significant differences (P=.149) between quality of life amongst patients diagnosed with complex (mean rank = 36.13) and simple fistulae (mean rank = 43.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Anal fistulae exert moderate-high impact on patients' quality of life. "Shorter time experiencing clinical symptoms" and the "presence of primary fistula" are factors that can be associated with worse quality of life.

German S3 guidelines: anal abscess and fistula (second revised version)

BACKGROUND

The incidence of anal abscess and fistula is relatively high, and the condition is most common in young men.

METHODS

This is a revised version of the German S3 guidelines first published in 2011. It is based on a systematic review of pertinent literature.

RESULTS

Cryptoglandular abscesses and fistulas usually originate in the proctodeal glands of the intersphincteric space. Classification depends on their relation to the anal sphincter. Patient history and clinical examination are diagnostically sufficient in order to establish the indication for surgery. Further examinations (endosonography, MRI) should be considered in complex abscesses or fistulas. The goal of surgery for an abscess is thorough drainage of the focus of infection while preserving the sphincter muscles. The risk of abscess recurrence or secondary fistula formation is low overall. However, they may result from insufficient drainage. Primary fistulotomy should only be performed in case of superficial fistulas. Moreover, it should be done by experienced surgeons. In case of unclear findings or high fistulas, repair should take place in a second procedure. Anal fistulas can be treated only by surgical intervention with one of the following operations: laying open, seton drainage, plastic surgical reconstruction with suturing of the sphincter (flap, sphincter repair, LIFT), and occlusion with biomaterials. Only superficial fistulas should be laid open. The risk of postoperative incontinence is directly related to the thickness of the sphincter muscle that is divided. All high anal fistulas should be treated with a sphincter-saving procedure. The various plastic surgical reconstructive procedures all yield roughly the same results. Occlusion with biomaterial results in lower cure rate.

CONCLUSION

In this revision of the German S3 guidelines, instructions for diagnosis and treatment of anal abscess and fistula are described based on a review of current literature.

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

AIM

The study aimed to evaluate outcome at 1 year of one- and two-stage fistulotomy for anal fistula in a large group of patients.

METHOD

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract: a Sphincter-Sparing Option for Complex Fistula-in-Ano

Fistulae-in-ano represent one of the more challenging anorectal diseases faced by surgeons, as appropriate management requires careful balance between the need for local sepsis control and patients' desire to maintain fecal continence. The ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure, first described by Rojanasakul and colleagues in 2007, represents a sphincter-sparing technique for fistula management which has become our method of choice for transsphincteric fistulas. With this technique, patients frequently enjoy successful fistula healing., or, at worst, conversion to a less complex fistula tract. Here, we describe and illustrate our surgical approach and review success and recurrence rates presented in the published literature.

Evaluation and management of perianal abscess and anal fistula: a consensus statement developed by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR)

Perianal sepsis is a common condition ranging from acute abscess to chronic fistula formation. In most cases, the source is considered to be a non-specific cryptoglandular infection starting from the intersphincteric space. The key to successful treatment is the eradication of the primary track. As surgery may lead to a disturbance of continence, several sphincter-preserving techniques have been developed. This consensus statement examines the pertinent literature and provides evidence-based recommendations to improve individualized management of patients.

Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™): long-term results and new operative strategies

BACKGROUND

Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™) is a sphincter-saving technique for the treatment of anal fistulas that has been shown to be successful in the short and middle term. However, the long-term success rate is unknown. This study aimed to report long-term results in performing FiLaC™.

METHODS

This study was performed as a retrospective observational study. Forty-five patients who underwent FiLaC™ between July 2010 and May 2014 were evaluated. In all cases, FiLaC™ was performed with a diode laser at a wavelength of 1470 nm by means of a radial fiber. Patients and fistula characteristics, previous treatments, healing rates, failures and postoperative incontinence were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 30 months (range 6-46 months). Thirty-five patients (78%) had a history of previous surgery for their fistulas. Primary healing was observed in 32 patients (71.1%), and the median healing time was 5 weeks (range 3-8 weeks). Eleven of the 13 failures (85%) were early failures (persistent symptoms). No patient reported postoperative incontinence. The best healing rate was observed in patients who had been previously treated with loose seton (19/24, 79%).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up after FiLaC™ seems to confirm the favorable short-term success rates reported for this procedure. Although sealing of chronic anal fistulas may be obtained with FiLaC™ in a single treatment, our current strategy consists of placing a loose seton into the fistula tract a few weeks prior to laser treatment. Seton treatment facilitates the following laser procedure and seems to have favorable effects on healing.

Platelet-rich fibrin sealant as a treatment for complex perianal fistulas: a multicentre study

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of perianal fistulas is high, and this condition has a profoundly negative impact on patients' quality of life. The problem is greater when the fistula tract is high because treatment is necessarily complex (limited surgery may lead to recurrence, while aggressive surgery is associated with higher rates of faecal incontinence). To achieve a balance between these two options, we suggest that complex fistulas should be treated by sealing the tract with platelet-rich fibrin. Our objective is to evaluate the medium- to long-term results obtained from the treatment of complex perianal fistulas by sealing with platelet-rich fibrin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective longitudinal multicentre study involves three colorectal surgeons working at three hospitals. The study period was October 2010 to June 2013, during which a total of 60 patients were treated for complex fistulas. In all cases, the intervention consisted of curetting the fistula tract, sealing it with platelet-rich fibrin and closing the internal orifice. We evaluated the clinical outcomes (clinical examination and pelvic magnetic resonance (MRI)) and the quality of life results, both general (SF-36) and gastrointestinal (GIQLI questionnaire) in periodic reviews during consultation.

RESULT

The median follow-up period was 24 months (11-43 months), during which in 40 patients (66.66 %) the fistulas remained closed, with a zero rate of faecal incontinence. The results of the quality of life questionnaires are comparable (indeed, they are better in some items for the cured patients) to those of the reference population.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion, this procedure is safe and its results are promising in terms of clinical outcome and medium- to long-term quality of life.

Systematic review: the combined surgical and medical treatment of fistulising perianal Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

The management of perianal Crohn's fistulas represents a significant challenge. A combination of medical and surgical therapy, guided by radiology, is often required.

AIM

To review systematically the literature to assess fistula healing rates with medical treatment (anti-TNF-α therapies ± immunomodulators) or surgical treatment alone, compared with combined medical and surgical treatment in fistulising perianal Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Two independent reviewers searched the literature.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles were included. The total population was 1139 patients; 460 (40%) received single treatment with either medical or surgical therapy, and 679 (60%) received combined medical and surgical therapy. Eight studies compared single and combination therapy, with a total population of 797 patients (single therapy: n = 448, combination therapy: n = 349). In the single therapy group, 191/448 were in complete remission (43%). This was lower than the healing rate of the combination therapy group 180/349 (52%). No response to therapy was noted in 34% (153/448) of the single therapy group compared with 23% (80/349) of the combination group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined surgical and medical (anti-TNF-α ± immunomodulators) therapy may have additional beneficial effects on perianal fistula healing in patients with Crohn's disease, compared with surgery or medical therapy alone. A well-designed Crohn's perianal fistula clinical trial is required in a multidisciplinary medical and surgical setting, with clearly defined end points of clinical (and likely patient reported outcomes) and radiological healing.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract in low transsphincteric fistulae: a new technique to avoid fistulotomy

AIM

  To date fistulotomy is still the treatment of choice for patients with a transsphincteric fistula passing through the lower third of the external anal sphincter, because it is a simple, effective and safe procedure with a minimal risk of incontinence. However, data suggest that the risk of impaired continence following division of the lower third of the external anal sphincter is not insignificant, especially in female patients with an anterior fistula and patients with diminished anal sphincter function. It has been shown that ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a promising sphincter-preserving technique. Therefore, we questioned whether LIFT could replace fistulotomy in patients with a low transsphincteric fistula.

METHOD

A consecutive series of 22 patients with a low transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin underwent LIFT. Continence scores were determined using the Rockwood Fecal Incontinence Severity Index.

RESULTS

  Median follow-up was 19.5months. Primary healing was observed in 18 (82%) patients. In the four patients without primary healing, the transsphincteric fistula was converted into an intersphincteric fistula. These patients underwent subsequent fistulotomy with preservation of the external anal sphincter. The overall healing rate was 100%. Six months after surgery, the median incontinence score was not changed significantly.

CONCLUSION

  Low transsphincteric fistulae can be treated successfully by LIFT, without affecting faecal continence. Division of the lower part of the external anal sphincter is no longer necessary in the treatment of low transsphincteric fistulae, which is essential for patients with compromised anal sphincters.

Novel biological strategies in the management of anal fistula

BACKGROUND

The mostly widely studied biomaterials for the sphincter sparing treatment of anal fistulas are fibrin glue and the anal fistula plug (AFP). However their overall mean clinical success is only 50-60%. As the understanding of the pathology of anal fistula, wound healing and the host response to materials has improved, so new biological sphincter-sparing strategies have been developed. The aim of this review is to assess the safety and efficacy of these novel techniques.

METHOD

PubMed, the Cochrane database and EMBASE were independently searched. All studies that investigated the potential of a biomaterial (defined as any synthetic or biologically derived substance in contact with host tissue) to augment the healing of anal fistula without sphincter division were included. Studies solely describing the role of fibrin glue or an AFP were excluded. Data extraction included type of material, fistula aetiology, treatment of the primary tract, fistula healing, incontinence, duration of follow-up and any specific complications. Systematic quality assessment of the included articles was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles were finally selected for review. These included a variety of biological and synthetic systems that were employed to deliver selected components of the extracellular matrix, growth factors, cytokines, stem cells or drugs to the fistula tract.

CONCLUSION

To date no study matches fistulotomy with regard to long-term fistula eradication rate. This is probably due to implant extrusion, inadequate track preparation or an unsuitable material. Future techniques need to address all these issues to ensure success. Success should be validated by MRI or long-term follow-up.

Management and Outcomes of Colovesical Fistula Repair

This large retrospective study presents the largest colovesical fistula (CVF) series to date. We report on recurrence risk factors and patient satisfaction based on quality of life after CVF repair. Approval was obtained from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Institutional Review Board, and a retrospective review was performed from 2003 to 2010 involving 72 consecutive patients who underwent a colovesical fistula repair. The CVF recurrence rate was 11 per cent. Ten percent of our patients who had a history of radiation therapy were at a significantly higher risk of developing a recurrence. Noted recurrence rates were significantly higher in advanced bladder repairs compared with simple repair ( P = 0.022). The modified (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index) surveys showed overall patient satisfaction score was 3.6, out of a maximum score of 4, regardless of the type of repair or any postoperative complications. Our study found the CVF recurrence rate to be 11 per cent. Patients at higher risk of recurrence include those needing advanced bladder repair, those with “complex” CVF, and those whose fistulas involve the urethra. Patient satisfaction was found to be more closely linked to the resolution of CVF symptoms, irrespective of the type of repair performed or development of postoperative complications.

Evolution of treatment of fistula in ano

BACKGROUND

Fistula-in-ano is a common medical problem affecting thousands of patients annually. In the past, the options for treatment of fistula-in-ano were limited to fistulotomy and/or seton placement. Current treatment options also include muscle-sparing techniques such as a dermal island flap, endorectal advancement flap, fibrin sealent injection, anal fistula plug, and most recently ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (procedure). This study seeks to evaluate types and time trends for treatment of fistula-in-ano.

METHODS

A retrospective review from 1975 to 2009 was performed. Data were collected and sorted into 5-year increments for type and time trends of treatment. Fistulotomy and partial fistulotomy were grouped as cutting procedures. Seton placement, fibrin sealant, dermal flap, endorectal flap, and fistula plug were grouped as noncutting procedures. Statistical analysis was performed for each time period to determine trends.

RESULTS

With institutional review board approval, the records of 2,267 fistula operations available for analysis were included. Most of the patients were men (74 vs. 26%). Cutting procedures comprised 66.6% (n = 1510) of all procedures. Noncutting procedures were utilized in 33.4% (n = 757), including Seton placement alone 370 (16.3%), fibrin sealant 168 (7.4%), dermal or endorectal flap 147 (6.5%), and fistula plug 72 (3.2%). The distribution of operations grouped in 5-year intervals is as follows: 1975-1979, 78 cutting and one noncutting; 1980-1984, 170 cutting and 10 noncutting; 1985-1989, 54 cutting and five noncutting; 1990-1994, 37 cutting and six noncutting; 1995-1999, 367 cutting and 167 noncutting; 2000-2004, 514 cutting and 283 noncutting; 2005-2009, 290 cutting and 285 noncutting. The percentage of cutting and noncutting procedures significantly differed over time, with cutting procedures decreasing and noncutting procedures increasing proportionally (χ(2) linear-by-linear association, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fistula-in-ano remains a common complex disease process. Its treatment has evolved to include a variety of noncutting techniques in addition to traditional fistulotomy. With the advent of more sphincter-sparing techniques, the number of patients undergoing fistulotomy should continue to decrease over time. Surgeons should become familiar with various surgical techniques so the treatment can be tailored to the patient.

A systematic review of the anal fistula plug for patients with Crohn's and non-Crohn's related fistula-in-ano

BACKGROUND

The management of fistula-in-ano is a balance between fistula cure and preservation of continence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to summarize the anal fistula plug literature for Crohn's and non-Crohn's fistula-in-ano in a homogenous patient population.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane medical databases were searched from 1995 to 2011. Abstracts from The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, The European Society of Coloproctology, and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland meetings between 2007 and 2010 were also evaluated.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if results for patients with and without Crohn's disease could be differentiated. Patients with rectovaginal, anovaginal, rectourethral, or ileal-pouch vaginal fistulas were excluded as were studies where the mean or median follow-up was less than 3 months. Two researchers independently selected studies matching the inclusion criteria.

INTERVENTION

Anal fistula plug insertion was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were the overall fistula closure rates and length of follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy-six articles or abstracts were identified from the title as being of relevance. Twenty studies (2 abstracts, 18 articles) were finally included. Study sample size ranged from 4 to 60 patients; 530 patients were included in all studies (488 non-Crohn's and 42 Crohn's patients). The plug extrusion rate was 8.7% (46 patients). The proportion of patients achieving fistula closure varied widely between studies for non-Crohn's, ranging from 0.2 (95% CI 0.04-0.48) to 0.86 (95% CI 0.64-0.97). The pooled proportion of patients achieving fistula closure in patients with non-Crohn's fistula-in-ano was 0.54 (95% CI 0.50-0.59). The proportion achieving closure in patients with Crohn's disease was similar (0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.70).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by the variability of operative technique and perioperative care between studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Fistula closure is achieved by using the anal fistula plug in approximately 54% of patients without Crohn's disease. The anal fistula plug has not been adequately evaluated in the Crohn's population.