ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in the treatment of complex fistula-in-ano.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 24 patients with complex fistula-in-ano who treated with LIFT in the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2009 to February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The operative efficacy and postoperative continence were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prime success rate of fistula healing was 66.7% (16/24) after the LIFT procedure. Two patients presented with intersphincteric incision infection which was successfully treated with topical of silver nitrate. Four patients had intersphincteric fistula with infection and managed with the complete laying open approach. The total clinical healing rate was 91.7% (22/24). Another 2 patients had persistent external opening with discharge. During follow-up of 6 to 44 (median 16) months, The Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score revealed that no patient developed decreased continence.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>LIFT is a safe and effective sphincter-preserve procedure for complex fistula-in-ano.</p>