Long-term outcomes of human acellular dermal matrix plug in closure of complex anal fistulas with a single tract

Long-term outcomes of a bioactive matrix enriched with an autologous platelet concentrate for the treatment of complex anal fistulae

BACKGROUND

Treating complex anal fistulae (CAF) remains a clinical challenge. Regenerative fistula treatment (RFT) with a bioactive matrix enriched with autologous platelet concentrate (Obsidian RFT®) has shown potential in healing CAF while preserving continence, but its long-term efficacy is still debated. This study aims to report the outcomes of RFT in patients with CAF.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients with CAF treated with RFT between February 2021 and November 2023 at a single center was conducted. Patients were included if they completed at least a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was fistula healing at last available follow-up. Secondary outcomes included unscheduled reoperation and anorectal function.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were treated with Obsidian RFT, 17 of whom completed the 6-month follow-up. Nine of the patients were women. The median age was 47 (24-63) years, and eight had inflammatory bowel disease. High transsphincteric fistulae were observed in 52.9% of patients. At a median follow-up of 21.8 (8-36) months, a 53% success rate was achieved. Approximately half of patients required at least one additional procedure owing to CAF persistence or recurrence. There were no reports of morbidity or mortality, and no worsening of continence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated that nearly half of the patients treated with RFT for CAF achieved long-term healing, with no adverse effects on continence and an excellent safety profile. Larger studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Current and emerging therapeutic strategies for perianal fistula in Crohn's disease patients

The long-term remission rates achieved with current treatment options for Crohn's disease with perianal fistula (CD-PAF)-including antibiotics, biologics, immunomodulators, and Janus kinase inhibitors, often combined with advanced surgical interventions-remain unsatisfactory. This chapter explores several innovative biomaterials-based solutions, such as plugs, adhesives, fillers, and stem cell-based therapies. The key approaches and treatment outcomes of these advanced therapies are examined, focusing on their ability to modulate the immune response, promote tissue healing, and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the chapter discusses future directions, including the optimization of biomaterial designs, enhancement of delivery and retention of regenerative therapies, and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of healing.

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

AIM

Fistula-in-ano is a common condition that is potentially difficult to treat. In recent years 'sphincter-sparing' procedures have increased in popularity due to the lower rates of reported complications, such as incontinence. One such treatment is the fistula plug, which has seen varied success compared with other techniques. There are currently several plugs on the market and it is possible that difference in outcomes could be linked to the type of plug used. The aim of this study was to compare healing and complication rates between two fistula plugs in a single tertiary referral centre in the UK.

METHOD

We conducted a single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients over the age of 18 years who underwent elective fistula plug insertion, with two different fistula plugs over a 13-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients underwent fistula plug insertion (plug A n = 90; plug B n = 23). Plug B had been on the market for the final 4 years of the study period, hence the differing patient numbers. There was no difference in patient demographics, fistula type or aetiology of the fistula between the two plugs. Plug B had a significantly higher fistula healing rate compared with plug A (56.5% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.005). A quarter of all patients experienced a complication, 93% being those who had fistula plug A inserted. The most common complication was extrusion of the plug within 72 h of insertion.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated significantly different outcomes according to the type of fistula plug used. Whilst current randomized controlled trials have not found a significant difference in healing rates when comparing one type of fistula plug to other treatment modalities, this study suggests that plug type may influence efficacy.

Long-term outcomes of an acellular dermal matrix for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistula: a pilot study

BACKGOUND

Effective, standardized treatments for complex anal fistula (CAF) still represent a clinical challenge. Emerging procedures attempted to achieve the healing rates of fistulotomy whilst preserving sphincter function. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) used as a plug inserted through the fistulous tract is among newer treatment options. Varying success rates have been reported, most with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of ADM-plug for CAF.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients treated with CAF. All consecutive patients presenting at two tertiary centers (Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain) between November 2015 and March 2019 with a single, cryptoglandular CAF were evaluated for treatment with an ADM-plug were included. The primary endpoint was absence of discharge at clinical examination at 12 month follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were included [7 women and 15 men, median age 56 (33-74) years]. Most patients had high transsphincteric fistulas (63.6%). The median follow-up was 42 (21-53) months. The 12 month success rate was 68.2%, with an overall healing rate of 59.1%. 77.8% of recurrences occurred within 12 months from surgery. One plug extrusion was observed. No major complications or mortality occurred during the follow-up. Patients did not report any worsening of fecal continence.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study showed that more than half of patients with CAF could benefit from ADM-plug placement, preserving continence. A minimum follow-up of 12 months is recommended, because most recurrences occur during the first year.

Effects of an anal fistula plug on anal function after surgery for treatment of a trans-sphincteric anal fistula

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anal function in patients with trans-sphincteric anal fistulas who underwent an anal fistula plug procedure, and analyze risk factors that might affect post-operative anal function.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with trans-sphincteric anal fistulas and initially underwent anal fistula plug procedures between August 2008 and September 2012 at our institute. The analysis includes clinical characteristics, anal fistula healing, and the Wexner score for pre- and post-operative anal function (0 = no incontinence to 20 = complete incontinence).

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients who had an adequate follow-up in the end were included. The median duration of follow-up was 8 years (range 72-121 months). The overall healing rate was 56% (69/123), and 33 (26.8%) patients had decreased anal function after surgery. The post-operative Wexner score on anal function was significantly higher than that before the operation (p < 0.001), as well as scores of gas, liquid stool, solid stool incontinence, and alteration in lifestyle (p < 0.05). Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, a high body mass index (p < 0.001) and long distance between the external opening and anal verge (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a decline in post-operative anal function.

CONCLUSIONS

As a sphincter-preserving technique for the treatment of anal fistulas, the anal fistula plug procedure might impair the anal function. Especially for patients with obesity or long distance between the external opening of anal fistula and anal verge, the reduced anal function is more likely to occur after treatment with anal fistula plug therapy.

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.

Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula by Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment Combined with Anal Fistula Plug: A Single-Center Study

Objective. The surgical treatment of complex anal fistulae is very challenging because of the incidence of incontinence after traditional approaches. There are no studies on the role of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with anal fistula plug (AFP) in the complex anal fistulae. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of treating complex anal fistulae using VAAFT combined with AFP. Method. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized observational study. 57 consecutive patients with complex anal fistulae who had undergone the VAAFT with AFP in our hospital between April 2016 and December 2019 were included. The primary outcomes were the cure rate, recurrence rate, and Wexner incontinence scores; the secondary outcomes were surgery time, blood loss, wound healing time postoperatively, pain, and patient satisfaction. Results. All 57 patients completed the surgery and follow-up, with an average follow-up time of 28 months; 6 patients suffered with recurrence (recurrence rate: 10.5%). The average surgery time was 57.9 minutes, and the average wound healing time was 46 days. There were no severe postoperative complications, and anal sphincter function was protected in all patients. Conclusions. The treatment of complex anal fistula by VAAFT combined with AFP is safe and effective, has a high healing rate and few postoperative complications, and is a promising surgery that can effectively protect the patient's anal sphincter function.

Long-Term Clinical Results of Use of an Anal Fistula Plug for Treatment of Low Trans-Sphincteric Anal Fistulas

BACKGROUND An anal fistula plug is a sphincter-sparing procedure that uses biological substances to close an anorectal fistula. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term therapeutic effect of an anal fistula plug procedure in patients with trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano and to determine the risk factors affecting fistula healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS A single-center retrospective study was performed assessing long-term treatment outcomes of patients with low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas who initially underwent anal fistula plug procedures between August 2008 and September 2012. Risk factors affecting fistula healing were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 135 patients who had low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas and underwent anal fistula plug procedures were analysed. The overall healing rate was 56% (75/135) with a median follow-up time of 8 years (range, 72-121 months). The primary reasons for treatment failure were plug extrusion (n=12, 20%) and surgical site infection (n=9, 15%), occurring within 30 days after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of anal fistula ≥6 months was significantly associated with treatment failure using an anal fistula plug (OR=3.187, 95% CI: 1.361-7.466, P=0.008). Of the patients who failed initial treatment with an anal fistula plug, 6 (9%) had anal fistulas that healed spontaneously after 2-3 years without additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS As a sphincter-preserving procedure, the anal fistula plug can effectively promote healing of low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas. The long-term efficacy is good and the procedure warrants wider use in clinical practice.

Anal fistula plug vs rectal advancement flap for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies with long-term follow-up

AIM

The aim was to compare the effectiveness of the anal fistula plug (AFP) with the rectal advancement flap (RAF) for complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search to identify relevant available articles published without language restriction from Embase and PubMed databases and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing outcomes with the AFP vs RAF for complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

A total of 11 articles with 810 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Four RCTs and one observational clinical study provided long-term follow-up. The pooled analysis of all 11 studies indicated that there was no significant difference between the AFP and RAF in terms of healing rate, recurrence rate and incidence of fistula complications. However, the pooled results of studies with long-term follow-up revealed that the RAF group had a significantly higher healing rate (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13, 0.78, P = 0.01) and lower recurrence rate (OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.45, 13.65, P = 0.009) than the AFP group.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas, the RAF was superior to the AFP in terms of healing and recurrence rate after pooling of randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up, even though a comparison based on the pooling of all studies showed no significant difference.

Treatment of fistula in-ano with fistula plug: experience of a tertiary care centre in South Asia and comparison of results with the West

Objectives

Surgery for fistula in ano is associated with anal incontinence. The biologic anal fistula plug (AFP) can minimize this. This is a retrospective analysis of patients with cryptoglandular anorectal fistulae, who underwent a surgical procedure using AFP. Patient’s demographics and characteristics of the fistulae were obtained from a prospective database. Each primary opening was occluded by using an AFP. Success was defined by the closure of the external opening and absent drainage.

Results

Fifty-one patients were treated with AFP (male:female: 37:14), mean age 42 years (SD ± 14.86, range 26–70). Ten patients defaulted follow-up. Forty-seven procedures were analysed. Twenty-three (56.1%) patients had complete healing while 18 (43.9%) patients failed the fistula plug procedure during the follow up period of 12 months. Logistical regression failed to identify any statistical significant association with demographic or disease factors and healing. Healing was 1.5 times less likely for every failed procedure prior to AFP insertion. Contrary to other published studies, placement of fistula plug was associated with much lower overall rates of fistula healing. Highest success rates were seen in simple fistulae when compared to the complex type. Repeat plug placement may be successful in selected patients.

The treatment of anal fistula: second ACPGBI Position Statement - 2018

It is over 10 years since the first ACPGBI Position Statement on the management of anal fistula was published in 2007. This second edition is the result of scrutiny of the literature published during this time; it updates the original Position Statement and reviews the published evidence surrounding treatments for anal fistula that have been developed since the original publication.

Efficacy of an anal fistula plug for fistulas-in-Ano in children

BACKGROUND

In children, perianal abscesses have a good prognosis and often heal with age. However, some perianal abscesses are refractory to treatment and remain as fistulas-in-Ano. Treatment with a Surgisis Anal Fistula Plug® has been reported as a new method of treatment for fistulas. In adults, the plug has been reported to cause little pain and have a high cure rate, but there have been no reported cases of its use in children.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to analyze the efficacy of the plug for closure of refractory fistulas in children.

METHODS

Since the plug has not been approved as a medical device in Japan, application for its use was submitted to the ethics committee of our university, and approval was granted, marking the first use of the plug in Japan. We classified refractory fistulas as those treated for 6months or longer and remaining unhealed, even after 1year of age, despite continued conservative treatment. The plug was used in 11 refractory fistulas in 8 children.

RESULTS

Eight of 11 fistulas (72.7%) were successfully treated. Three fistulas recurred, and fistulectomies were performed. No sequelae were observed after AFP treatment.

CONCLUSION

The plug was effective even for closure of refractory fistulas without sequelae in children.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Treatment Study, Level IV.

Factibility and security study of the PICS-AF™ plug for the treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula

INTRODUCTION

The PICS-AF™ (Curaseal Inc.) device is a new plug made of collagen that has a retention system in the internal orifice. This pilot study was designed to assess both the feasibility and safety of this plug in the treatment of trans-sphincteric anal fístulas.

METHODS

A total of 44 patients (34 men), with a mean age of 54.68±7.3, with trans-sphincteric anal fístulas were included in the study; 34 of them were analyzed. All patients were examined according to a strict preoperative protocol and until 6 months after surgery. The feasibility of the procedure and the adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

Finally, 34 patients were operated on, and in 30 of them the plug was used. Therefore, the feasibility was calculated at 88%. There was a total of 16 adverse events, 4recorded as not related (3 mild and one moderate) and 12 related to the procedure or to the device implanted. Of these, 5were mild, 5moderate and 2severe. The majority of the events reported were related to proctalgia (4 patients) or infection at the implant site (4 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that the new collagen plug can be placed effectively and with an acceptable complication rate.

Adoption and success rates of perineal procedures for fistula-in-ano: a systematic review

AIM

Several sphincter-preserving techniques have been described with extremely encouraging initial reports. However, more recent studies have failed to confirm the positive early results. We evaluate the adoption and success rates of advancement flap procedures (AFP), fibrin glue sealant (FGS), anal collagen plug (ACP) and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedures based on their evolution in time for the management of anal fistula.

METHOD

A PubMed search from 1992 to 2015. An assessment of adoption, duration of study and success rate was undertaken.

RESULTS

We found 133 studies (5604 patients): AFP (40 studies, 2333 patients), FGS (31 studies, 871 patients), LIFT (19 studies, 759 patients), ACP (43 studies, 1641 patients). Success rates ranged from 0% to 100%. Study duration was significantly associated with success rates in AFP (P = 0.01) and FGS (P = 0.02) but not in LIFT or ACP. The duration of use of individual procedures since first publication was associated with success rate only in AFP (P = 0.027). There were no statistically significant differences in success rates relative to the number of the patients included in each study.

CONCLUSION

Success and adoption rates tend to decrease with time. Differences in patient selection, duration of follow-up, length of availability of the individual procedure and heterogeneity of treatment protocols contribute to the diverse results in the literature. Differences in success rates over time were evident, suggesting that both international trials and global best practice consensus are desirable. Further prospective randomized controlled trials with homogeneity and clear objective parameters would be needed to substantiate these findings.

A systematic review of new treatments for cryptoglandular fistula in ano

AIM

In 2007 the ACPGBI published a position statement on the management of cryptoglandular fistula in ano. Over the last seven years a number of new treatments have been developed and the aim of this systematic review was to assess their effectiveness.

METHOD

A systematic review of all English language literature relevant to novel treatment strategies for cryptoglandular fistula in ano, published between 1 January 2007 and 31 Dec 2014 was carried out using MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews/Controlled Trials for relevant literature. Technical notes, commentaries, letters and meeting abstracts were excluded. The different treatments were assessed with regards to fistula closure rate in relation to length of follow up and reported complications.

RESULTS

Seventy potential articles published between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014 were identified from the initial literature search. Twenty-one articles were included for final analysis although only two were randomized controlled trials, the remainder being retrospective or prospective series.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review has demonstrated that whilst there have been technological advances to treat complex cryptoglandular fistula in ano, these are in an early stage of evolution and although early results were promising they are difficult to reproduce. Longer follow up data is not currently available and these treatments should not be introduced without further evidence.

Fistula tract curettage and the use of biological dermal plugs improve high transsphincteric fistula healing in an animal model

PURPOSE

The treatment of high transsphincteric fistula is a complex procedure, which may be associated with the risk of recurrence and fecal incontinence. In this study, we used an animal model to compare different types of sphincter-preserving treatments for transsphincteric fistula.

METHODS

Sixteen female New Zealand rabbits, weighing 2.8-4.8 kg underwent a surgical creation of high transsphincteric fistula. After 6 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in order to confirm fistula formation and measure the fistula diameter. The rabbits were divided into three groups. Group 1 received no plug treatment (control). Autologous dermal graft and acellular dermal matrix were used as a plug in groups 2 and 3, respectively. Five weeks after treatment, fistula tract healing was determined by measuring the largest fistula diameter with MRI. All rabbits were euthanized and the anorectum excised en bloc for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

According to the MRI findings, all groups showed significant healing after the treatment (p < 0.05). The healing rate of fistula diameters after treatment was 40, 66, and 29% in the control, dermal graft, and acellular dermal matrix groups, respectively. In terms of negative healing parameters such as neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and plasmocyte accumulation, dermal graft and acellular dermal matrix groups showed significantly lower results than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to MRI and histopathological results, fistula tract curettage and fistula orifice closure improved transsphincteric anal fistula healing. Additionally, in this study, plug treatment favoring autologous dermal graft resulted in better healing.

Management of Fistula-In-Ano with Special Reference to Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract

CONTEXT

The surgical management of fistula-in-ano is still debatable and no clear recommendations have been made available until now. The present study analyses the results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in treating fistula-in-ano in particular with recurrence, healing time, and continence status.

AIMS

LIFT in the management of patients of fistula-in-ano of cryptoglandular origin.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study of 52 patients admitted from September 2012 to August 2014. Patients were managed with LIFT technique and results of LIFT technique were compared with other studies in terms of recurrence rate, incontinence rate, and other postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were studied. Median follow-up was 24 weeks. Primary healing was achieved in 32 (71.11%) patients. Thirteen patients (28.88%) had a recurrence. No patient reported any subjective decrease incontinence after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

LIFT technique is simple and easy to learn. With this method fistula-in-ano could be easily treated even at primary health care level. LIFT technique is a simple and novel modified approach for the treatment of fistula-in-ano with rapid healing rate and without any resultant incontinence.

Treatment of Fistula-In-Ano with Fistula Plug - a Review Under Special Consideration of the Technique

Introduction

In a recent Cochrane review, the authors concluded that there is an urgent need for well-powered, well-conducted randomized controlled trials comparing various modes of treatment of fistula-in-ano. Ten randomized controlled trials were available for analyses: There were no significant differences in recurrence rates or incontinence rates in any of the studied comparisons. The following article reviews the studies available for treatment of fistula-in-ano with a fistula plug with special attention paid to the technique.

Material and Methods

PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane medical database were searched up to July 2015. Sixty-four articles were relevant for this review.

Results

Healing rates of 50–60% can be expected for treatment of complex anal fistula with a fistula plug, with a plug-extrusion rate of 10–20%. Such results can be achieved not only with plugs made of porcine intestinal submucosa but also those made of other biological or synthetic bioabsorbable mesh materials. Important technical steps are firm suturing of the head of the plug in the primary opening and wide drainage of the secondary opening.

Discussion

Treatment of a complex fistula-in-ano with a fistula plug is an option with a success rate of 50–60% with low complication rate. Further improvements in technique and better studies are needed.

Repair of a cervical skin defect using xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix in a patient with advanced laryngeal carcinoma

Objective:

This paper reports the outcome of using acellular dermal matrix to repair a cervical skin defect in a patient with an advanced laryngeal carcinoma that had invaded the skin.

Case report:

A 55-year-old man underwent surgical repair of severe atypical hyperplasia and of a squamous cell carcinoma at 17 and 9 months, respectively, prior to undergoing the current procedure. Five months prior to the current procedure, his left cervical skin broke down and the lesion gradually enlarged. A pathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was made. The cervical skin defect was repaired with a tailored acellular dermal matrix patch. The cervical wound completely healed without developing infection or a pharyngeal fistula, and the patient exhibited no dysphagia three years after surgery.

Conclusion:

Cervical skin defects can be successfully repaired with acellular dermal matrix.

Biomaterials in the treatment of anal fistula: hope or hype?

Anal fistula (AF) presents a chronic problem for patients and colorectal surgeons alike. Surgical treatment may result in impairment of continence and long-term risk of recurrence. Treatment options for AFs vary according to their location and complexity. The ideal approach should result in low recurrence rates and minimal impact on continence. New technical approaches involving biologically derived products such as biological mesh, fibrin glue, fistula plug, and stem cells have been applied in the treatment of AF to improve outcomes and decrease recurrence rates and the risk of fecal incontinence. In this review, we will highlight the current evidence and describe our personal experience with these novel approaches.

The combined application of human acellular dermal matrix and vacuum wound drainage on incarcerated abdominal wall hernias

PURPOSE

Complex contaminated or infected abdominal wall defects present a particularly challenging problem to the surgeon. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in incarcerated abdominal wall herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 63 patients (51 males and 12 females) who underwent emergency surgery for acute incarcerated abdominal wall hernias with ADM repair, between June 2008 and October 2011 at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University.

RESULTS

All hernias were repaired with an intraperitoneal underlay repair and received a high-vacuum wound drainage system after herniorrhaphy. 19 patients underwent reinforced repair with component separation. Over a median follow-up period of 32 (range 13-58) months, the recurrence rate was 4.8%. Two patients developed bulges, one developed a hematoma, one developed a seroma, and one had a superficial wound infection. No patients developed fistulae, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, or stiffness of the abdominal wall postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the use of ADM as a biological mesh combined with high-vacuum wound drainage system in complex abdominal wall reconstruction is acceptable without major side effects.

Long-term outcome of the anal fistula plug for anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of the anal fistula plug in the treatment of anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin.

METHOD

A review of all patients who had at least one anal fistula plug inserted from March 2007 to August 2008 was performed. Only anal fistulae of cryptoglandular origin were included. Success was defined as the closure of the external opening with no further purulent discharge or collection.

RESULTS

Thirty anal fistula plugs were inserted in 26 patients [median age 40 (26-70) years]. Twenty-six of the fistulae were transsphincteric and three were suprasphincteric. One patient had a high intersphincteric fistula, which was the only fistula that did not have a seton inserted. The median duration between seton insertion and the plug procedure was 12 (4-28) weeks. The median length of the fistula tract was 3 (1-7.5) cm. After a median follow-up of 59 (13-97) weeks, 26 (86.7%) fistulae recurred. Of the 26 failures, the median time to failure was 8 (2-54) weeks. Subsequent surgical interventions were performed in 20 of the failures.

CONCLUSION

The role of the fistula plug in the management of anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin remains debatable and warrants further evaluation.

Bioabsorbable synthetic plug in the treatment of anal fistulas

BACKGROUND

Management of anal fistulas is challenging, because surgeons must aim to obtain complete healing while sparing the sphincter and avoiding fecal incontinence. The optimal treatment method remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of the use of a new synthetic fistula plug made of bioabsorbable polymers in the treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistulas.

DESIGN

This study is a retrospective review of a database of patient records.

SETTING

: Patients were treated at a general hospital in Italy.

PATIENTS

Forty-eight patients (39 men and 9 women; mean age, 49.9 years) with 49 fistulas were treated with the synthetic plug between November 2009 and March 2012. Types of fistula were as follows: 24 superficial transsphincteric, 18 medium transsphincteric, 5 deep transsphincteric, and 1 medium intersphincteric.

INTERVENTIONS

The fistula tract was cleaned by using curettage, and a synthetic plug was sized to fit the tract and inserted. A draining seton was used preoperatively in 1 patient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome measures were complete closure of the fistula, with no discharge/residual fistula (verified by endoanal ultrasonography), perineal pain level (assessed with a visual analog scale), and fecal continence. Follow-up was conducted at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The overall healing rate was 69.3% (34/49 fistulas, 33/48 patients). Eight patients (24.2%) had healing by 3 months after surgery, 21 patients (63.6%) had healed by 6 months, and 4 patients (12.1%) had healed by 12 months. By 3 months, no patient had perineal pain or fecal incontinence. No plug became dislodged, and no patient had the onset of anal stenosis, bleeding, local infection, or any other complication.

LIMITATIONS

The number of patients and the retrospective nonrandomized nature of the investigation are limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulas, the use of a bioabsorbable synthetic plug provided a high rate of healing without causing fecal incontinence or other major adverse effects. Larger and randomized studies of this treatment are warranted.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug (LIFT-Plug): a new technique for fistula-in-ano

AIM

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and reinforcement with a bioprosthetic graft are two recently reported procedures that have shown promise in the treatment of anal fistula. This study was undertaken to validate combining ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug and report our preliminary results and experience.

METHOD

Twenty-one patients with transsphincteric anal fistula were treated with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus concurrent bioprosthetic plug of the anal fistula. We evaluated healing time, fistula closure rate and postoperative anal function according to the Wexner continence score.

RESULTS

No mortality or major complications were observed. Median operative time was 20 (range 15-40) min. After a median follow-up of 14 (range 12-15) months, the overall success rate was 95% (20/21), with a median healing time of 2 (range 2-3) weeks for external anal fistula opening and 4 (range 3-7) weeks for intersphincteric groove incision. Only 1 (5%) patient reported rare incontinence for gas postoperatively (Wexner score 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug is an easy, safe, effective and useful alternative in the management of anal fistula. Further randomized controlled studies are necessary to better evaluate long-term results.

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.

Corneal reinforcement using an acellular dermal matrix for an analysis of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and transparency

The aim of this study was to analyze the viability of using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a reinforcement material for peripheral corneal thinning disease. The complete removal of cell components was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Transmission electron microscopy determined that the stromal structure was well preserved. Uniaxial tests revealed that the ADM had strong mechanical properties. After being implanted into rabbit cornea the ADM showed no sign of rejection and even achieved good transparency 24weeks post-surgery. H&E staining demonstrated that keratocytes grew in the ADM and the ADM-cornea interface became blurry. Picrosirius red staining revealed great changes of collagen in the ADM. Uniaxial testing of the reinforced cornea showed better mechanical strength than the normal rabbit cornea, but this did not exhibit statistical significance. These results suggest that ADM is a worthy candidate for future exploration as a reinforcement material for peripheral corneal thinning problems.

Controversies in fistula in ano

Managing a complex fistula in ano can be a daunting task for most surgeons; largely due to the two major dreaded complications-recurrence & fecal incontinence. It is important to understand the anatomy of the anal sphincters & the aetiopathological process of the disease to provide better patient care. There are quite a few controversies associated with fistula in ano & its management, which compound the difficulty in treating fistula in ano. This article attempts to clear some of those major controversies.

A Bartter's-like syndrome from capreomycin, and a similar gentamicin tubulopathy

Marked renal potassium and magnesium wasting, alkalosis, and a progressive increase in plasma renin and eventual hyperaldosteronemia developed during a 15-month course of in-hospital capreomycin therapy that was necessary for drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. A prominent feature of the present case was renal chloride wasting, a feature of the capreomycin syndrome that has previously received little attention. Similar potentially life-threatening metabolic abnormalities, which resemble those found in Bartter's syndrome, can occur during prolonged therapy with the antibiotic gentamicin. In the present case, electrolyte abnormalities were unaffected by three days of indomethacin therapy but were partially corrected by large doses of spironolactone. Capreomycin, viomycin (an antibiotic closely related to capreomycin), and gentamicin are highly basic polypeptide antibiotics that may induce strikingly similar and potentially fatal syndromes of renal tubular dysfunction that can feature multiple electrolyte abnormalities.