Cutting of sphincter in fistulectomy with primary closure in complex fistula-in-ano: is it feasible?

Introduction: Treatment of complex fistulas such as inter- or transsphincteric, recurrent, and high fistulae have high rate of recurrence or incontinence. Fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction might represent an effective and safe alternative to reduce rate of recurrence and incontinence. The aim of this study is to assess incontinence and recurrence after fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction for management of complex fistulas. Material and Methods: There were 60 patients with complex fistulae involving the sphincter, with 56 male and 4 female, mean age 40.6 years, operated by fistulectomy and primary sphincter repair over a period of 7 years. Patients were followed up for 6months for any complications, recurrence, and incontinence. Results: The majority of patients (50, 83.3%) had complete wound healing in 2 weeks, while 4 (6.6%) patients had hematoma and superficial wound dehiscence, which were managed conservatively and healed in 4 weeks. There was one recurrence. All patients had good continence postoperatively, except for mild fecal incontinence (FI, score 3), seen in 6 (10%) patients. However, all these patients regained continence within 6 weeks. Conclusions: Primary reconstruction of anal sphincter with fistulectomy is a safe option for complex fistula-in-ano. (AU)

Management of Recurrent Fistula-in-Ano (Bhagandara) Extending upto Thigh, by Partial Fistulectomy and Ksharasutra Application: A Case Report

In the present modern day's world, anorectal disorders are increasing in number due to sedentary lifestyle. They cause great discomfort and make one’s life miserable. Among these fistula in ano is most common. It is challenging to treat due to its recurrent nature. Fistula-in-ano is an inflammatory tract that is lined by unhealthy granulation tissue and has two openings, an external opening present in perianal skin and an internal opening in the anal canal or rectum. Fistula in ano is correlated with Bhagandara in Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned it among Ashta Mahagada and explained five types of Bhagandara. Many treatment modalities have been given for the treatment of fistula in ano, Ksharasutra application is one of them. It is a minimally invasive para-surgical procedure and induces both mechanical as well as chemical cutting and healing of the fistulous tract. This technique has a high success rate but it is time-consuming and causes minimal complication. A 73 years old male patient came to RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, with a complaint of pain and pus discharge from his left thigh for 7-8 years, he has been diagnosed with a case of recurrent fistula in ano. The patient was treated with partial fistulectomy along with Ksharsutra application and recovered well with complete excision of the tract.

Is fistulotomy with marsipulization more effective than fistulectomy alone for low fistula in ano?

Background: Fistula in ano is a very common perianal condition seen in outpatient departments. Fistulotomy and fistulectomy are two conventional options of surgery. The present study is designed to observe wound healing time and mean postoperative pain score in the comparison of outcome of the fistulectomy to fistulotomy with marsupialization. Methods: This prospective randomized trial was conducted in the surgical department of the Civil Hospital Karachi for a period of 12 months, in which 60 patients with low anal fistula were divided into 2 groups. Thirty patients in group A were treated with fistulectomy, and 30 in group B were treated with fistulotomy with marsupialization. The postoperative pain severity was assessed after 24 hrs through a visual analogue scale and on weekly and fortnightly follow-ups for 6 weeks. Wound healing was assessed by clinical examination on weekly and fortnightly follow-ups for 6 weeks to estimate the mean healing time. Results: The mean pain score was significantly lower in group B in comparison to group A (3.6±1.99 versus 2.40±1.52; p=0.01). The mean wound healing time was shorter in group B in comparison to group A (4.23±0.77 versus 5.80±0.41 weeks; p=0.0005). Conclusion: Fistulotomy with marsupialization is a simple, easy, and more effective method than fistulectomy for the treatment of simple perianal fistula. (AU)

Role of seton versus conventional techniques in the management of anorectal fistulas

Background: This study was conducted to compare the use of different setons with conventional management like fistulotomy and fistulectomy in terms of healing (after 1 and 3 months), recurrence and incontinence.Methods: This was a retrospective non-randomized study conducted at JNMCH, Aligarh from January 2018 to June 2019. Patients included- patients (males and females) of age group 18-70 years, patients giving consent. Patients excluded- fistula secondary to- Crohn’s disease, tuberculosis, malignancy, recurrent fistula, pregnant females, immuno-suppressed patients.Results: After 1 month, 17 out of 24 patients (70.8%) of fistulotomy, 48 out of 68 patients (70.6%) of seton group and 21 out of 32 patients (65.6%) of fistulectomy group had their wounds healed (p=0.8693). After 3 months, 19 out of 24 (79.2%) patients of fistulotomy, 61 out of 68 (89.7%) of seton, and 24 out of 32 patients (75%) with fistulectomy had their wound healed (p=0.1374). Recurrence was observed in 5 out of 24 patients of fistulotomy, 10 out of 68 patients of seton use and 5 out of 32 patients with fistulectomy (p=0.7788). 6 out of 24 patients (25%) had incontinence after fistulotomy, 7 out of 68 (10.3%) of seton group and 8 out of 24 (25%) after fistulectomy (p=0.0944). Healing was higher in patients of non-cutting setons as compared to cutting seton (p=0.0252). After 3 months, no difference was observed (p=0.1245). Recurrence higher in cutting setons as compared to non-cutting setons (p=0.0187).Conclusions: Setons are safe, low-cost, less invasive, precise, and cost-effective option for treating simple and complex fistula-in-ano.

A Retrospective Study of Fistula in Ano & Primary Sphincter Repair (Sphincteroplasty) in Complex Fistulas

Fistula in ano is a common perianal disease of the mankind. It is secondary to mainly cryptoglandular infections & abscess. Persistence of chronic infection will lead to fistula formation.1 Management of high-level fistulas is complicated due to incontinence, which is troublesome; hence, many procedures have been tried by many surgeons, but without any supremacy over others. Immediate reconstruction of divided sphincter muscle will give good result.2 We have done fistulectomy & repair of the external anal sphincter & followed for the last two decades with no incontinence & minimal recurrences.METHODS192 cases of fistula in ano for the last 20 years operated by a single surgeon (1st author) were studied & were followed up to now. The differences, in the selection of cases, surgical skill & post-operative management are excluded in the study by including cases done by a single surgeon (first author) only. 136 males & 56 females were operated. Intersphincteric 45.8%, trans-sphincteric 49%, high level fistulas 5.2%, trans-sphincteric & high fistulas with considerable external sphincter loss (54 cases) were repaired with 1–0 Vicryl. Fistula in ano is associated with haemorrhoids in 24/192 & ano rectal abscess (20/192). Fistulotomy done in 16/192, simple & subcutaneous tracts - fistulectomy done in 65%. Curetting of the high tracts done in 16/192.RESULTSMales are predominantly affected 70.8%. This is more common in 3rd, 4th & 5th decades (80.1%). Single external opening was seen in (90%). Posterior & lateral fistula tracts are more commonly seen in (89.6%). Non-specific pyogenic infective pathology is seen 99%. Recurrences- 6/192. Time taken to heal is 3–6 weeks. Incontinence is not seen in any case. No recurrence or incontinence seen in primary sphincter repair of 54 cases.CONCLUSIONSPrimary sphincter repair is simple & best procedure with minimal or no recurrence & decreases the healing time. It is more suitable & advised in fistulas with considerable external sphincter loss.

A study on outcome of primary closure versus open fistulectomy in low level fistula in ano

Background: Fistula-in-ano is one of the common ano-rectal disorder which causes appreciable morbidity and inconvenience to the patient. Different surgical techniques have been described in literature from time to time. Open fistulectomy though considered as the standard treatment for fistula in-ano, fistulectomy with primary closure has its merits of short hospital stay, early wound healing and lower costs. The objectives of this study was to compare the period of stay, period of healing, time period to return to daily activities and cost factor between open fistulectomy and primary closure technique.Methods: Patients admitted in all surgical units of NIMRA Hospital, were included in the study without bias on a serial basis. This is a study comprising 50 patients over a period of 12 months from Febrauary 2019 to January 2020.Results: The patients were divided into two equal and comparable groups. Patients who underwent open fistulectomy were classified under Group I and those who underwent fistulectomy with primary closure were classified as Group II. The patient’s characteristics of the two groups were well matched.Conclusions: In patients treated by classical method because of long time taken to heal, number of hospital visits for dressings were more and more antibiotics were prescribed when compared to cases treated by excision of fistula tract and primary closure. From this study it can be concluded that fistulectomy with primary closure is ideal for low anal fistulaures.

Clinical study of fistula in ano with special reference to its surgical management

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of “Lay open method” fistulectomy technique in treating fistula-in-ano in terms of relief of symptoms, healing of wound, recurrence rate and post-operative complications.Methods: Total 45 cases with definite history of fistula and clinically diagnosed cases of fistula in ano selected for the study. A final diagnosis was made after proctoscopic examination under anaesthesia during operation and by histopathological examination after completion of operation.  In all the patients, lay open method fistulectomy was done. Post-operative period was closely monitored and all the cases were meticulously followed for a variable period of time.Results: The common fistulas were low anal type (80%). External opening was mostly located in the posterior mid zone (44.44%). Internal opening was found in 30 cases (66.66%) during per rectal digital examination while proctoscopic examination revealed internal opening in 26 cases (57.77%). Pain (22.22%), retention of urine (8.88%) were the commonest immediate as well as incontinence (1; 2.22%) and recurrence (1; 2.22%) were the delayed post-operative complications. 90% of cases had a satisfactory healing of their wounds within 21 days. Excellent results were achieved in 77.77% cases and only one case of recurrence (2.22%).Conclusions: Encouragingly high success rates were achieved in our patients, but this series comprised a very small number of patients in a short period of time with limited amenities; also follow up of very short duration and irregular for which a definite conclusion is difficult to arrive at.

Fístula útero-cutánea posterior a cesárea. Reporte de caso / Uterocutaneous fistula following cesarean section. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El mecanismo más frecuente por el que se originan las fístulas útero-cutáneas es la cesárea, con una incidencia no mayor a 0.4%. El sangrado menstrual a través de la herida quirúrgica es un dato patognomónico. El diagnóstico puede establecerse mediante fistulografía, inyección transcervical de azul de metileno, tomografía computada contrastada, resonancia magnética o histerosalpingografía. En la actualidad el tratamiento de elección es la escisión quirúrgica del trayecto fistuloso, con o sin histerectomía. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 25 años, con antecedente de tres cesáreas; la última en febrero de 2018. Hallazgo transoperatorio: útero fácilmente sangrante y friable, con drenaje tipo Penrose en la fosa iliaca izquierda, que se retiró a las 72 horas. Acudió a consulta debido a un padecimiento de 22 días de evolución caracterizado por hipertermia, dolor pélvico y secreción fétida a través de la herida del drenaje previo. Durante el sangrado menstrual advirtió descarga por el sitio de la herida quirúrgica. En la exploración se observaron: cicatriz de drenaje del Penrose de aspecto granulomatoso y exudado purulento. Debido a que se sospechó un trayecto fistuloso útero-cutáneo se realizó una fistulografía con medio de contraste yodado no iónico y una tomografía. Se practicó fistulectomía con histerectomía. La paciente tuvo evolución clínica favorable. CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar de que la fístula útero-cutánea es un problema realmente excepcional, aun así, debe considerarse después de la cesárea. El dato clínico patognomónico es el sangrado menstrual a través de la herida quirúrgica. El diagnóstico certero es preciso, con la demostración del trayecto de la fístula mediante fistulografía, inyección transcervical de azul de metileno, tomografía computada contrastada, resonancia magnética o histerosalpingografía.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Fistula is an abnormal communication between two epithelialized surfaces. Caesarean section is the most frequent cause of uterine-cutaneous fistula, with an incidence of no more than 0.4%. Menstrual bleeding through the surgical wound is an almost pathognomonic finding. The diagnosis can be made using fistulography, transcervical injection of methylene blue, computerized tomography with contrast, as well as magnetic resonance or hysterosalpingography. Currently, the treatment of choice continues to be the surgical excision of the fistulous tract with or without hysterectomy. CLINICAL CASE: Female patient of 25 years of age with a history of three caesarean sections;; last in February 2018. As transoperative finding: uterus easily bleeding and friable leaving Penrose drainage to the left iliac fossa, which is removed 72 hours later. He came to the clinic for a condition of 22 days of evolution characterized by hyperthermia, pelvic pain and foul-smelling discharge through a previous drainage wound. When presenting menstrual bleeding, she sees discharge by surgical wound site. On examination: Penrose drainage scar of granulomatous appearance and purulent exudate, suspecting cutaneous uterus fistulous tract, so fistulography is performed with iodinated non-ionic contrast medium and tomography. We proceed to fistulectomy with hysterectomy. He is currently a patient with favorable clinical evolution. CONCLUSION: Although the uterine-cutaneous fistula is a really exceptional problem, even so, it should be considered after the cesarean section. The pathognomonic clinical data is menstrual bleeding through the surgical wound. The accurate diagnosis is precise, with the demonstration of the path of the fistula by means of fistulography, transcervical injection of methylene blue, contrasted computed tomography, magnetic resonance or hysterosalpingography.

Comparison of various techniques in the management of fistula in ano

Introduction: Fistula in ano is the benign anorectal condition, but became a major problem for surgeons to cure the disease. For proper treatment of fistula in ano, a thorough knowledge of Anorectal anatomy and etiopathogenesis of the anorectal abscess is required. More than 90% cases of perianal abscess and anal fistulas occur due to cryptoglandular infections in the intersphincteric plane. Less than 10% occurs due to the complications of Crohn's disease, malignancy, Tuberculosis, and Radiation Exposure. The aim of the study: To study the different modalities of treatment for fistula in ano (Fistulotomy/ Fistulectomy/ Fibrin Glue Injection/ LIFT procedure). Materials and methods: Patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study selected and all patients discussed the nature of the disease and possible complications (recurrence, anal incontinence, and anal stricture) expected after surgery was explained. Written consent for the study and surgery was obtained. In proforma, thorough history, signs and symptoms, we identified internal opening and external opening by thorough digital rectal examination and proctoscopic examination under the adequate light were noted. Results: In our study, out of those 15 cases of Fistulectomy, 4 cases developed intraoperative bleeding, 3 cases developed sphincter injury and 3 cases had prolonged surgery more than 1 hour. Of 10 cases with Fistulotomy, 3patients developed intraoperative bleeding, 2 developed sphincter injury and 2cases had prolonged surgery more than 1 hour. Cases proceeded with Fibrin Glue Injection did not develop any obvious intraoperative complication. Manivannan Dhanraj, Nachiappan Meenakshisundaram, Vinodh Duraisami, Vinayak Rengan. Comparison of various techniques in the management of fistula in ano. IAIM, 2018; 5(5): 14-20. Page 15 Conclusion: Fistulectomy has a moderate degree of intraoperative and postoperative complications with a moderate chance for stricture and incontinence and less chance for recurrence. Moreover few cases required second sitting for the completion of treatment.

Assessment of fistulectomy combined with sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complicated anal fistula / Avaliação de fistulectomia combinada com esfincteroplastia no tratamento de fístula anal complicada

Abstract Introduction The ideal method of treating the complex anal fistula is to eradicate the sepsis and preserve the anal sphincter; since there is no definite consensus on the surgical method of treating it. Recent studies show that fistulectomy and immediate sphincteroplasy are a safe and appropriate way to treat the fistula-in-ano. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term outcomes of fistulectmy and sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complex perianal fistula. Methods In this prospective study, we have analyzed the data of 80 patients who underwent fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty from May 2013 to May 2016. Preoperative information included physical examination, preoperative fecal incontinence evaluation and taking a complete history about underlying diseases and past related surgeries were collected. Results Of all 80 patients with complex fistula, 57.5% (46 patients) were male. 70-Patients were presented with high transsphincteric fistula (87.5%) and anterior fistula was diagnosed in 10 of them (12.5%). 9 patients (11.3%) suffered from hypertension and 43 patients (53.75%) had recurrent fistula after previous surgeries. During the follow-up period, the overall success rate was 98.8% (98.8%) and fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty failed in only one patient (failure rate: 1.3%). preoperative and post-operative scoring showed mild fecal incontinence in 8 patients (10%). We have found no significant relation between the age, gender, hypertension, previous surgery and post-operative recurrence. Conclusion Fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty is a safe surgical procedure in the treatment of anterior anal fistula in females and high transsphincteric fistulas.

Resumo Introdução o método ideal para tratar a fístula anal complexa consiste em erradicar a sepse e preservar o esfíncter anal, uma vez que não existe consenso definitivo com relação ao método cirúrgico para tratamento desse problema. Estudos recentes demonstram que a fistulectomia, seguida imediatamente pela esfincteroplastia, é procedimento seguro e apropriado no tratamento da fístula perianal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados em longo prazo da fistulectomia e da esfincteroplastia no tratamento da fístula perianal complexa. Métodos Neste estudo prospectivo analisamos os dados de 80 pacientes tratados por fistulectomia e esfíncteroplastia no período de maio de 2013 até maio de 2016. Foram coletadas as seguintes informações pré-operatórias: exame físico, avaliação pré-operatória de incontinência fecal e história completa sobre doenças subjacentes e cirurgias prévias afins. Resultados De todos os 80 pacientes com fístula complexa, 57,5% (46 pacientes) pertenciam ao gênero masculino. Setenta pacientes se apresentaram com fístula trans-esfinctérica alta (87,5%); em 10 desses pacientes (12,5%), foi diagnosticada fístula anterior. Nove pacientes (11,3%) sofriam de hipertensão (HT), tendo sido observada recorrência de fístula após cirurgias prévias em 43 pacientes (53,75%). Durante o período de seguimento, o percentual de sucesso global foi de 98,8%, e em apenas um paciente os procedimentos de fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia não obtiveram sucesso (percentual de falha: 1,3%). Os escores pré-operatórios e pós-operatórios revelaram incontinência fecal leve em 8 pacientes (10%). Não observamos nenhuma relação significativa entre idade, gênero, HT, cirurgia prévia e recorrência pós-operatória. Conclusão Fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia constituem procedimento cirúrgico seguro no tratamento de fístulas anais anteriores em mulheres e de fístulas trans-esfinctéricas altas.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital H-type Rectovestibular Fistula / 소아외과

PURPOSE: The congenital H-type rectovestibular fistula, a fistula between the anorectum and genital tract besides a normal anus is a rare variant of anorectal deformities. This disease needs proper treatment but there are no standard of diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this report is to review a 13-year experience of approach and management for H-type rectovestibular fistula at a single institution. METHODS: From February 2002 to August 2015, we cared for 11 patients who had congenital H-type rectovestibular fistula and reviewed their clinical presentation, accompanied anomalies, diagnostic modalities, operative technique, and postoperative progress. RESULTS: Most patients with H-type rectovestibular fistula presented with symptoms including vestibular defecation and major labial abscess. We could find the fistula tract in most of patients by fistulography using contrast dye. All of the patients had been operated. There were 2 recurrences after surgical treatment who had inflammation and infection associated with the fistula. All other patients recovered without complications. CONCLUSION: We think the operation including fistulectomy and repair of perineal body through a transanal approach can be a feasible option to the congenital H-type rectovestibular fistula. Also, combined inflammation and infection should be treated prior to surgery to reduce postoperative complications.

A comprehensive study of fistula in ano

Background: A fistula-in-ano is an abnormal hollow tract lined with granulation tissue connecting a primary opening inside the anal canal to a secondary opening in the perianal skin. Treatment of fistula-in-ano remains challenging. Surgery is the treatment of choice, with the goals of draining infection, eradicating the fistulous tract, and avoiding persistent or recurrent disease. Aim: This study was intended to investigate the factors determining the course of fistula in ano and its recurrence of patients with fistula in ano came to Govt. Stanley Hospital for 1 year. Materials and methods: 45 patients were selected who were diagnosed as fistula in ano admitted in Govt. Stanley Hospital during June 2015 to May 2016. The anatomy and type of fistula was detected by MRI. Patients underwent definitive treatment. Data regarding the objectives of the study were collected and outcomes of the treatment evaluated by following up the patient for 6 months. Results: Majority of patients (82%) belonged to 31 -60 years of age. Male: Female ratio was 4:1. Most of the fistulas were low anal 41 (91%). About 34 (76%) of external openings were posterior. Fistulectomy was performed in 31 cases, fistulotomy for 10 cases, seton for 4 cases and the operated wound healed in a range of 2 weeks to 8 weeks. Delayed healing was associated with complex fistulas, intersphincteric and transphincteric fistula takes longer time to heal about 4 to 5 weeks (P = 0.007). Fistula of tubercular etiology took minimum 3 weeks to heal (P =0.047). 13 % of cases showed recurrence. Transphincteric fistulas had recurrence rate of 33%. Fistulas with lateral openings had recurrence rate of 67%. Conclusion: Fistulectomy is the commonest and best procedure to get rid of the infective pathology. Fistula in ano has a well recognised incidence of recurrence after surgical treatment

Study of management of 25 cases of fistula- in-ano.

Background: Fistula-in-ano forms a good majority of treatable benign lesions of the rectum and anal canal. 90% or so of these cases are end results of crypto glandular infections. Despite the easy of diagnosis, establishing a cure is problematic on two accounts. Firstly, many patients tend to let their ailment nag them rather than being subject to examination, mostly owing to the site of this disease. The more important second factor is that a significant percent of these diseases persist or recur when the right modality of surgery is not adopted or when the post-operative care is inadequate. Aim and objectives: To know the usefulnessof investigative procedures in early and accurate diagnosis of fistula in ano. To study the efficacy of different modalities of surgical approach with reference to post-operative hospital stay and complication like pain, bleeding and sphincter incontinence and outcome in respect to persistence /recurrence of fistulae. Material and methods: A total of 25 patients with clinically diagnosed fistula in ano were included in the study. Clinical history was obtained in all the patients. Clinical examination including per rectal examination and proctoscopy was done in all the patients. All the patients were processed by routine investigations, ECG, ches X -ray etc. prior to surgery. Patients were followed up to a period of 1 year. Results: 6 patients i.e. 24% had similar illness out of them two previously operated for fistula with recurrence, and four patients with similar illness and resolved without treatment. In this study, 72% of patients had low level of fistula and another 28% of patients had an internal opening situated above the ano rectal ring. Patients with low level fistula were treated with fistulotomy and fistulectomy and patients with high level fistula were treated with seton placement. In this study 60 % of patients underwent fistulotomy, 12 % of patients fistulectomy and another 28% seton placement. Patients with low level fistula were treated with fistulotomy and fistulectomy and patients with high level fistula were treated with seton placement. Conclusion: Fistula-in-ano is an important, commonest disease due to crypto glandular infection (anal glands) and has a complication of ano rectal abscess. It is curable disease by the treatment of surgery and higher antibiotics, local antibiotics with good post-operative wound management, like sits bath for twice a day without closing the wound.

Repeated Infection and Inflammation in a Case with Bilateral Congenital Lacrimal Fistula after Complete Fistulectomy

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral congenital lacrimal fistula that presented with repeated infection and inflammation after complete fistulectomy, which required an incision and drainage of pus from the operation site. CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old male without any medical history presented with repeated erythematous swelling and inflammation, resulting in tenderness around the opening of congenital lacrimal fistula. The lacrimal fistula opening was located approximately 12 mm inferiorly apart from the medial canthus. The complete excision of lacrimal fistula was performed without any inter-operative events. However, 4 days postoperatively, the patient complained of discomfort and swelling, with purulent discharge from the bilateral operation site. There was no improvement although treatment with antibiotics, incision and drainage was performed. After 1 month, an additional incision and drainage was necessary due to inflammation in the left operation site. One month later, pus and purulent discharge were occurring from the right operation site, requiring an additional incision and drainage. At that time, Actinomyces israelli was identified on wound culture examination. One month later, an additional incision and drainage was performed due to repeated inflammation in the left operation site. In the present case, we hypothesized the opening site of congenital lacrimal fistula was relatively far apart from the medial canthus and played a role in atypical repeated inflammation and infection on the operation site. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical treatment of congenital lacrimal fistula, careful preoperative observation of the location of the lacrimal fistula's opening site would be helpful in prediction of postoperative complication, such as wound infection and inflammation, as well as in educating and informing the patient.

Comparison of a Fistulectomy and a Fistulotomy with Marsupialization in the Management of a Simple Anal Fistula: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial

PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare a fistulectomy and a fistulotomy with marsupialization in the management of a simple anal fistula. METHODS: Forty patients with simple anal fistula were randomized into two groups. Fistulous tracts were managed by using a fistulectomy (group A) while a fistulotomy with marsupialization was performed in group B. The primary outcome measure was wound healing time while secondary outcome measures were operating time, postoperative wound size, postoperative pain, wound infection, anal incontinence, recurrence and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Postoperative wounds in group B healed earlier in comparison to group A wounds (4.85 +/- 1.39 weeks vs. 6.75 +/- 1.83 weeks, P = 0.035). No significant differences existed between the operating times (28.00 +/- 6.35 minutes vs. 28.20 +/- 6.57 minutes, P = 0.925) and visual analogue scale scores for postoperative pain on the first postoperative day (4.05 +/- 1.47 vs. 4.50 +/- 1.32, P = 0.221) for the two groups. Postoperative wounds were larger in group A than in group B (2.07 +/- 0.1.90 cm2 vs. 1.23 +/- 0.87 cm2), however this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.192). Wound discharge was observed for a significantly longer duration in group A than in group B (4.10 +/- 1.91 weeks vs. 2.75 +/- 1.71 weeks, P = 0.035). There were no differences in social and sexual activities after surgery between the patients of the two groups. No patient developed anal incontinence or recurrence during the follow-up period of twelve weeks. CONCLUSION: In comparison to a fistulectomy, a fistulotomy with marsupialization results in faster healing and a shorter duration of wound discharge without increasing the operating time.

Supernumerary Nostril: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Supernumerary nostril, also known as triple nostril or accessory nostril, is one of the extremely rare congenital nasal deformities which includes an additional nostril. Since Lindsey reported the first case of a supernumerary nostril, only 34 cases of supernumerary nostril have been reported world widely. And there was no any domestic case. In the present case, we described a case of supernumerary nostril and reviewed all the literature cases of supernumerary nostril. METHODS: A 10-month-old female patient visited to the authors with an additional nostril located above her right nostril, which had been present since birth. Antenatal history was uneventful and the infant's birth was normal. On physical examination there were no other abnormalities and additional nostril was communicating with ipsilateral normal nasal cavity. We performed fistulectomy and local flap for the correction. RESULTS: After 7 months postoperatively, the patient was doing well. The functional outcome was excellent and the cosmetic result was satisfactory. During the long term follow-up for 8 years, there were no specific problems. CONCLUSION: In supernumerary nostril, preoperative evaluation of other abnormalities is very important and we advocate that corrective surgery can be performed at an early age for patient's psychosocial development.

Supernumerary Nostril: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Supernumerary nostril, also known as triple nostril or accessory nostril, is one of the extremely rare congenital nasal deformities which includes an additional nostril. Since Lindsey reported the first case of a supernumerary nostril, only 34 cases of supernumerary nostril have been reported world widely. And there was no any domestic case. In the present case, we described a case of supernumerary nostril and reviewed all the literature cases of supernumerary nostril. METHODS: A 10-month-old female patient visited to the authors with an additional nostril located above her right nostril, which had been present since birth. Antenatal history was uneventful and the infant's birth was normal. On physical examination there were no other abnormalities and additional nostril was communicating with ipsilateral normal nasal cavity. We performed fistulectomy and local flap for the correction. RESULTS: After 7 months postoperatively, the patient was doing well. The functional outcome was excellent and the cosmetic result was satisfactory. During the long term follow-up for 8 years, there were no specific problems. CONCLUSION: In supernumerary nostril, preoperative evaluation of other abnormalities is very important and we advocate that corrective surgery can be performed at an early age for patient's psychosocial development.

Surgery in an Intersphincteric Fistula

An intersphincteric fistula is the most common type of fistula, about 70% of all fistulas, and is often encountered by the surgeon during anal surgery. The operative procedures include a simple fistulotomy, a fistulectomy, a cutting seton technique, and a sphincter-saving technique. Most posterior-located intersphincteric fistulas can be successfully treated by using the lay-open technique, but using that technique in cases of lateral- or anterior-located fistulas may result in incontinence or anal deformity. In this respect, a sphincter-saving technique has more advantage in sparing anal function than other procedures in cases of lateral or anterior fistulas, but the recurrence rate is high. The delayed open method with seton techniques have a low recurrence rate, but do not preserve anal function well. As mentioned above, the operative method for treating intersphincteric fistulas should be suitable for keeping sphincter tone and should have a low recurrence rate. This article discusses the rationale for and the estimated effectiveness of many operative methods for treating intersphincteric fistulas.

The Clinical Evaluation of Congenital Lacrimal Fistula

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results and clinical characteristics of congenital lacrimal fistula. METHODS: Fourteen patients were diagnosed with congenital lacrimal fistula and received simple fistulectomy. Three patients received anterior lamella reposition operation simultaneously due to epiblepharon. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and conducted telephone interviews. RESULTS: In 15 eyes of the 14 patients, epiphora through lacrimal fistula disappeared. Two eyes of 2 patients showed a little epiphora only outdoors but there was no need of further treatment. All patients accepted the surgical results cosmetically. Histologically, stratified squamous epithelial change with keratinization was remarkable by aging. In adults, hair follicles with increased keratinization were contained and the result with skin was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Simple fistulectomy was a useful technique for congenital lacrimal fistula.

Surgery for the Congenital Lacrimal Fistula

PURPOSE: Congenital lacrimal fistula, a rare developmental disorder, was reviewed to evaluate clinical features and surgical techniques with its results. METHODS: The clinical features of 9 patients who received operation are retrospectively reviewed, including presenting symptoms, surgical techniques and their results. RESULTS: Excision of the fistula alone was performed for cosmetic blemish and excision of fistula with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation was done for symptomatic tearing. None of the 9 patients had symptomatic or cosmetic problem postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Fistulectomy with or without bicanalicular silicone tube intubation is a successful procedure for congenital lacrimal fistula.