Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for the treatment of anal fistula: a prospective observational study

Background: The ligation of intersphincteric fistula fract (LIFT) technique avoids postoperative anal continence disturbances and preserves quality of life. Methods: A total of 70 patients with anal fistula (AF) were treated in the Day Surgery Unit. The LIFT technique was the primary treatment in 63 patients. The other had previously undergone placement of a loose seton (two-step approach). The mean follow-up was 66.8 months. Statistical analysis was performed using contingency tables, the chi-square test, and the Student T-test. Results: The use of LIFT was successful in 40 patients (57.1%). However, 6 patients (8.6%) presented persistence of postoperative intersphincteric fistula, being successfully treated by fistulotomy. There were no differences in this technique's success rate between high and low AF (p = 0.45). The success rate of one-step LIFT, however, was significantly higher (p = 0.03). No disturbances of continence were observed. Conclusions: The LIFT technique has a role in the treatment of AF, is suitable for ambulatory surgery, and has a low complications rate. A two-step approach is not always needed. (AU)

“Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (Lift)" The Solution in Perianal Fistulae? – A Prospective Observational Study in 30 Simply Randomised Cases

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistulous Tract (LIFT) is a novel and promising technique in the management of Fistula in ano. We tried to assess the outcome of LIFT procedure in our institute in terms of healing rate, incontinence and recurrences. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in the Department of General Surgery, IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India between January 2016 and August 2017. Thirty patients were selected with simple randomization after applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria and all underwent LIFT procedure. Results: Among the 30 patients included in our study, the healing rate varied from 76.7% in 2-week follow-up to 93.3% on 6 months follow-up. One patient had Grade B incontinence from which he recovered within 1 month. One diabetic patient had recurrence of the disease. Conclusion: LIFT is a promising procedure for both simple or complex fistulas with single or multiple tracts with minimum incidence of incontinence or recurrence. However, larger randomised controlled trials with large study population is required.

Long-term outcomes of (Gore) fistula plug versus ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for anal fistula / Desfechos de longo prazo do tampão de fístula (Gore) versus ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana (LIFT) para fístula anal

ABSTRACT Background: The surgical treatment of anal fistula is complex due to the possibility of fecal incontinence. Fistulotomy and cutting Setons have the same incidence of fecal incontinence depending on the complexity of the fistula. Sphincter-preserving procedures such as anal fistula plug and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure may result in more recurrence requiring repeated operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of treating fistula in Ano utilizing two methods: Fistula plug (Gore Bio-A) and ligation of intersphincteric tract (LIFT). Methods: Fifty four patients (33 males; 21 female, median ages 42 [range 32-47] years) with high anal inter-transphenteric fistula were treated with LIFT and fistula plug procedures from September 2011 until August 2016 by a single surgeon and were retrospectively evaluated. All were followed for a median of 23.9 (range 4-54) months with clinical examination. Twenty one patients underwent fistula plug and 33 patients underwent LIFT procedure (4 patients of the LIFT group underwent LIFT and rectal mucosa advancement flap). The healing rate and complications were evaluated clinically and through telephone calls. Results: The mean operative time for the Plug was 25 ± 17 min and for the LIFT was 40 ± 20 min (p = 0.017) and the mean hospital stay was 2.4 ± 1.1 and 1.9 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01) respectively. The early complications of the plug and LIFT procedures included; anal pain (33.3%, 66.6%, p = 0.13), perianal discharge (77.8%, 91%, p = 0.62), anal pruritus (38.9%, 50.0%, p = 0.71) and bleeding per rectum (16.7%, 33.3%, p = 0.39) respectively. The overall mean follow-up was 20.9 ± 16.8 months, p = 0.68. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (21.9 ± 7.5 months, 19.9 ± 16.1 months, p = 0.682). The healing rate was 76.2% (16/21 patients) in the fistula plug group and 81.1% (27/33 patients) in the LIFT group (p = 0.73). Patients who had LIFT procedure and a mucosal advancement flap had 100% healing rate (4 out of 4 patients). No incontinence of stool or feces and no fistula plug expulsion were seen in our patients. The healing time ranged from 1 to 6 months after surgery. There was no post-operative perianal abscess, cellulitis or pain. Conclusions: LIFT and anal plug are safe procedures for patients with primary and recurrent anal fistula. Both techniques showed excellent results in terms of healing and complication rate. None of our patients had incontinence after 5 years follow-up. The best success rate in our patients was seen after LIFT procedure with mucosal advancement flap. Larger and controlled randomized trials are needed for better assessment of treatment options.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da fístula anal é complexo devido à possibilidade de incontinência fecal. A fistulotomia e o seton de corte têm a mesma incidência da incontinência fecal, dependendo da complexidade da fístula. Procedimentos de preservação do esfíncter, como o tampão da fístula anal e o procedimento LIFT (ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana), podem resultar em mais recorrência, exigindo cirurgias repetidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar os desfechos do tratamento da fístula anal utilizando dois métodos: Tampão de fístula (Gore Bio-A) e Ligadura do Trato Interesfincteriano (LIFT). Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes (33 homens; 21 mulheres, com mediana de idade de 42 [variação 32-47] anos) foram tratados com LIFT e procedimentos com tampão de fístula de setembro de 2011 até agosto de 2016 por um único cirurgião e foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Todos foram acompanhados por uma mediana de 23,9 (variação de 4 a 54) meses com exame clínico. Vinte e um pacientes foram submetidos a tampão de fístula e 33 pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento LIFT (4 pacientes do grupo LIFT foram submetidos a LIFT e retalho de avanço da mucosa retal). A taxa de cicatrização e as complicações foram avaliadas clinicamente e por meio de ligações telefônicas. Resultados: O tempo cirúrgico médio para o Tampão foi de 25 ± 17 minutos e para o LIFT foi de 40 ± 20 minutos (p = 0,017) e o tempo médio de internação foi de 2,4 ± 1,1 e 1,9 ± 0,3 (p = 0,01), respectivamente. As primeiras complicações dos procedimentos de tampão e LIFT incluíram: dor anal (33,3%, 66,6%, p = 0,13), secreção perianal (77,8%, 91%, p = 0,62), prurido anal (38,9%, 50,0%, p = 0,71) e sangramento pelo reto (16,7%, 33,3 %, p = 0,39) respectivamente. A média geral de acompanhamento foi de 20,9 ± 16,8 meses, p = 0,68. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos (21,9 ± 7,5 meses, 19,9 ± 16,1 meses, p = 0,682). A taxa de cicatrização foi de 76,2% (16/21 pacientes) no grupo com tampão de fístula e 81,1% (27/33 pacientes) no grupo LIFT (p = 0,73). Pacientes submetidos ao procedimento LIFT e um retalho de avanço da mucosa tiveram 100% de taxa de cura (4 de 4 pacientes). Nenhuma incontinência fecal e nenhuma expulsão do tampão da fístula foram observadas em nossos pacientes. O tempo de cicatrização variou de 1 a 6 meses após a cirurgia. Não houve abscesso perianal, celulite ou dor no pós-operatório. Conclusões: LIFT e tampão anal são procedimentos seguros para pacientes com fístula anal primária e recorrente. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram excelentes resultados em termos de cicatrização e taxa de complicações. Nenhum de nossos pacientes teve incontinência após 5 anos de acompanhamento. A melhor taxa de sucesso em nossos pacientes foi observada após o procedimento LIFT com retalho de avanço da mucosa. Ensaios clínicos randomizados de maior porte e controlados são necessários para melhor avaliação das opções de tratamento.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure and its modifications / Procedimento de ligadura de trato de fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações

ABSTRACT Purpose: Treatment of anal fistulae is regarded as a challenge due to the diverse nature of this disease and its countless complications. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure and its modifications have been popularized among many surgeons worldwide due to their simplicity and promising outcomes. The main purpose of this article was to conduct a comprehensives review of the published literature on ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure and its modifications. Method: PubMed, the Cochrane database and Ovid were searched from January 2007 to June 2017. Fully published peer-reviewed studies which applied ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure and its modifications for the treatment of anal fistulae of cryptogenic origin with follow-up of median 12 months were eligible. Uncompleted studies, case reports, reviews, abstracts, letters, short communication, comments, and studies which did not fulfill inclusion criteria were excluded. The primary outcome was to measure primary healing, overall healing, failure, and recurrence of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure and its modifications. Results: Twenty-two studies were identified with only ten studies meeting criteria of inclusion. Original ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract was performed in five studies with a population of 199 patients while the remaining five studies showed four different modifications of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract with a total number of 147 patients. Both original LIFT and its modifications have promising as well as potentially similar outcomes; primary healing in the original ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (73.95%) (95% CI 60.3-85.6) performed less than the modifications (82.3%) (95% CI 64.8-94.7). Overall healing in the original ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (78.9%) (95% CI 58.5-93.7) performed relatively less than in the modifications (93.6%) (95% CI 81.4-99.6). Failure in the original ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (17.9%) (95% CI 4.9-36.5) performed almost the same as the modifications (17.7%) (95% CI 5.3-35.2). Recurrence in the original ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract was 9.7% (95% CI 1.7-23.2). However, there was no recurrence in the modifications. Conclusion: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and its modifications are effective and simple procedures in treating simple anal fistulae, especially high transsphincteric ones. However, more trials should be performed to evaluate its effectiveness regarding complex fistulae.

RESUMO Objetivo: O tratamento de fístulas anais é considerado um desafio devido à natureza diversa dessa doença e suas incontáveis complicações. O procedimento de ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações foi popularizado entre cirurgiões em todo o mundo devido a sua simplicidade e desfechos promissores. O principal objetivo deste artigo foi conduzir uma revisão abrangente da literatura publicada sobre o procedimento de ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações. Método: as bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane e Ovid foram pesquisadas de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2017. Estudos publicados com revisão por pares que aplicaram o procedimento de ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações para o tratamento de fístulas anais de origem criptogênica com acompanhamento de mediana de 12 meses foram elegíveis. Estudos incompletos, relatos de casos, revisões, resumos, cartas, comunicação breve, comentários e estudos que não preenchiam os critérios de inclusão foram excluídos. O desfecho primário foi medir a cicatrização primária, a cicatrização geral, falhas e recorrência do procedimento de ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações. Resultados: Vinte e dois estudos foram identificados com apenas dez estudos atendendo aos critérios de inclusão. A ligadura original do trato da fístula interesfincteriana foi realizada em cinco estudos com uma população de 199 pacientes, enquanto os cinco estudos restantes apresentaram quatro modificações diferentes da ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana com um total de 147 pacientes. Tanto o LIFT original quanto suas modificações têm resultados promissores e desfechos potencialmente semelhantes; cicatrização primária na ligadura original do trato da fístula interesfincteriana de 73,95% (IC 95% 60,3-85,6) menos realizada que as modificações de 82,3% (IC 95% 64,8-94,7). Cicatrização geral na ligadura original do trato da fístula interesfincteriana de 78,9% (IC 95% 58,5-93,7) realizada relativamente menos do que as modificações (93,6%, IC 95% 81,4-99,6). A falha na ligadura original do trato da fístula interesfincteriana (17,9%; IC 95% 4,9-36,5) realizada quase tanto quanto as modificações (17,7%; IC 95% 5,3-35,2). Recidiva na ligadura original do trato da fístula interesfincteriana em 9,7% (IC 95% 1,7-23,2). No entanto, não houve recorrência nas modificações. Conclusão: A ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana e suas modificações são procedimentos eficazes e simples no tratamento de fístulas anais simples, especialmente as transesfincterianas altas. No entanto, mais estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar sua eficácia em relação às fístulas complexas.

Long-term outcomes of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for complex fistula-in-ano: modified operative procedure experience / Resultados em longo prazo da ligadura da fístula interesfincteriana no complexo das fístulas perianais: modificação técnica de procedimento cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Background: It is important but difficult to treat complex fistula-in-ano due to the high recurrent rate and following incontinence. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), a novel surgical procedure with the advantage of avoiding anal incontinence, has a variable success rate of 57-94.4 %. Aim: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of modified LIFT operative procedure - ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract - to treat complex fistula-in-ano. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 62 cases of complex fistula-in-ano. The group was treated with the modified approach of LIFT (curved incision was made in the anal canal skin; purse-string suture was performed around the fistula; the residual fistulas were removed in a tunnel-based way) and had a follow-up time of more than one year. Patient´s preoperative general condition, postoperative efficacy and their anal function were compared. Results: The median age of the participants was 34, and 43 (69.4%) cases were male. Forty-one (66.1%) cases were of high transsphincteric fistula, four (6.5%) cases of high intrasphincter fistula, and 17 (27.4%) cases of anterior anal fistula in female. The median follow-up duration was 24.5 (range, 12-51) months. The success rate in the end of follow-up was 83.9% (52/62). The anorectal pressure and Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence (CCF-FI) evaluated three months before and after the operation did not find apparent changes. Conclusions: Compared with LIFT, the modified LIFT remarkably reduces postoperative failure and the recurrence rate of complex fistula with acceptable long-term outcomes.

RESUMO Racional: É importante, mas difícil de se tratar fístula anal complexa devido à alta taxa de recorrência e de incontinência pós-operatória. A ligadura do trajeto da fístula interesfincteriana (LIFT) - um novo procedimento cirúrgico com a vantagem de evitar a incontinência anal - tem taxa de sucesso variável entre 57-94,4%. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo do procedimento cirúrgico LIFT modificado - ligadura do trato interesfincteriano com fístula - para tratar fístula complexa anal. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de 62 casos de fístula complexa no ânus tratados com abordagem modificada de LIFT (incisão curva na pele do canal anal; sutura em bolsa realizada em torno da fístula; as fístulas residuais removidas em um túnel) e teve tempo de acompanhamento de mais de um ano. A condição geral pré-operatória dos pacientes, a eficácia pós-operatória e a função anal foram comparadas. Resultados: A mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 34 anos, e 43 (69,4%) dos casos eram de homens. Quarenta e um (66,1%) casos eram de fístula transesfincteriana alta, quatro (6,5%) de fístula intra-esfincteriana alta e 17 (27,4%) de fístula anal anterior em mulheres. A mediana da duração do acompanhamento foi de 24,5 meses (12-51). A taxa de sucesso no final do acompanhamento foi de 83,9% (52/62). A pressão anorretal e a Incontinência Fecal da Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF-FI) avaliadas três meses antes e após a operação não encontraram alterações aparentes. Conclusões: Comparado com o LIFT, o LIFT modificado reduz notavelmente a falha pós-operatória e a taxa de recorrência de fístula complexa com resultados aceitáveis em longo prazo.

Effect of modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for low anal fistula / 临床外科杂志

Objective To study the effects of modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LITF)for low anal fistula.Methods A total of 40 consecutives were divided randomly into experiment and control groups(each 20 cases).The patients in experiment group received modified LITF and patients in control group adopted traditional anal fistula resection,then to compare the effects.Results The wound healing time in experiment group[(17.8 ± 4.5)d]was shorter than that in control group[(24.7 ± 5.8) d](P<0.05);the duration of pain in experiment group[(6.9 ± 1.5)d]was longer than that in control group[(4.0 ± 1.3)d](P<0.05);the postoperative anal function score in experiment group(3.7 ± 2.5)was better than that in control group(3.7 ± 2.5)(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in cure rate,pain at first day after operation and recurrence rate between two groups(P>0.05).Conclu-sion It is more effective,less injury,less pain,shorter course,less recurrence and better anal function of modified LITF.

Clinical efficacy of modified ligation of the fistula tract in treatment of simple transsphincteric anal fistula / 临床外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of modified ligation of the fistula tract (LIFT)in the treatment of simple transsphincteric anal fistula.Methods 92 patients with a clinical diag-nosis of simple transsphincteric anal fistula were enrolled into the research.According to the random num-ber table patients divided into the modified group(46 cases)and the normal group(46 cases)randomly. Operation time,postoperative pain score,postoperative hospitalization time,healing time and healing rate in two groups were compared,Wexner anal incontinence scores and anorectal manometry 3 months after operation were analyzed to evaluated anal function.Results All patients were followed up for 3 ~26 months,average(8.73 ± 7.15)months.Comparing with operation time,hospitalization time,postoperative pain score 24 h after operation,hospital stay had no significantly different between the two groups(all P>0.05).The healing time had significantly different between the modified group[(10.14 ± 2.57)d]with the normal group[(23.87 ± 4.68)d](P<0.05);The healing rate in modified group was(91.2%)sig-nificantly higher thanin normal group(71.7%)(P<0.05).By the Wexner anal incontinence scores and anorectal manometry 3 months after operation were not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusion Modified LIFT is a safe technique with a high healing rate and a shorter healing time,in the treatment of simple transsphincteric anal fistula,modified LIFT procedures should be considered.

Feasibility study about modified ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract in the treatment of low anal fistula / 临床外科杂志

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of modified ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for low anal fistula.Methods We follow-up visited 20 patients with low anal fistula underwent modified LIFT procedures (Since the outer edge shape of anal fistula incision fistula and the branch into the intersphincteric groove,proximal lateral internal sphincterotomy ligation.The wound was closed to the whole layer of closed suture after removal of the pipe wall).Median follow-up duration was 10(range 3-15) months.To compile statistics on the wound healing time,the clinical healing rate,the recurrence rate and the fecal incontinence score (Wexner score) of those patients.Results The wound healing time was (15.3 ± 4.8) d.The prime success rate of fistula healing was 75 ％ (15/20) after the modified LIFT procedure.2 cases of low complex anal fistula presented with wound infection,and 3 cases (including 1 cases of simple low anal fistula,2 cases of low complex anal fistula)had fistula with infection.They were cured after appropriate treatment.During follow-up of 3 to 15 (median 10)months,1 cases of simple low anal fistula recurred in third months after surgery.To the end of the follow-up,the total clinical healing rate was 95％ (19/20),of which 12 cases of low complex anal fistula total cure rate was 100％ (12/12).Preoperative fecal incontinence scores (Wexner score)were all 0 points.At the final follow-up,18 (90％)cases of fecal incontinence score were 0 points,1 (5 ％) cases were 2 points and 1 (5 ％) cases were 1 points.Conclusion Modified LIFT is better balance the relationship between cure rate and anal function.The sphincter preservation is complete.The fistula is thoroughly cleared.The cure rate is high.The recurrence rate is low.Does not cause anal defects and deformities.It has little influence on the function of anal control,the operation is simple,and it is suitable to be popularized.

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract versus incision-thread-drawing procedure for complicated anal fistula: A Meta-analysis / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To systematically investigate the clinical efficiency and safety of ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract versus incision-thread-drawing procedure for complicated anal fistula.Methods Searched PubMed,The Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data,and VIP from inception to May 2016,to collect randomized controlled trials of ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract versus incision-thread-drawing procedure for complicated anal fistula.Search term included ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract,fistula,incision-thread-drawing procedure,randomized controlled trial.The literatures were screened according to inclusive criteria,data were extracted and the quality of included studies was evaluated,and then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 soft ware.A total of 5 randomized controlled trials including 305 patients were included.Results The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with incision-thread-drawing procedure,ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract had a significant difference in amount of bleeding during surgery (MD =-18.30,95％ CI:-19.91 ～-16.69,P ＜ 0.000 01),the duration of pain (MD =-4.38,95％ CI:-4.69 ～-4.08,P ＜ 0.000 01),healing time (MD =-10.28,95％ CI:-15.71 ～-4.86,P =0.0002),hospital stay (MD =-7.44,95％CI:-10.87～-4.02,P＜0.000 1),recurrence rate (OR=0.31,95％CI:0.10～0.91,P=0.03).There was no significant difference in Operation time (MD =-5.83,95 ％ CI:-7.64 ～-4.02,P ＜ 0.000 01),effective percentage (OR =4.35,95％ CI:0.89 ～ 21.32,P =0.07) between both groups.Conclusion Compared with incision-thread-drawing procedure,ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract shows significant advantage in cure rate,postoperative healing time,reducing post-operation pain,anal function protection and recurrence rate.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus core-out fistulectomy for complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To evaluate ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus core-out fistulectomy for complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas.Methods Forty-one patients were divided into ligation and control group randomly.In ligation group (20 cases),patients underwent ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus core-out fistulectomy procedure.While in control group (21 cases) fistulotomy on low sphincter with cutting-seton on high sphincter procedure was performed.The primary end points of the study were healing rate and continence by using the Wexner score.Secondary end points were postoperative pain in the third and seventh day with the use of the visual analog scale,length of hospital stay and followed measures for a recurrent fistula.Comparison of measurement data using independent samples t-test or paired samples t-test,compared with the count data using Fisher's exact test.Results There was no statistical difference in the healing rate between ligation group (90％) and control group (95％) (P ＞0.05).Postoperatively,one case in ligation group reported incontinence for gas,compared to 7 cases in control group,among these 7 cases 2 cases also had incontinence for watery stool.Statistical differences were found between two groups in Wexner scores,visual analog scale scores and length of hospital stay (P ＜0.05).Conclusion Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus core-out fistulectomy is an economical,safe,little painful,recovery enhanced and minimally invasive technique to treat complex anal fistulas.

Clinical efficacy of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for the treatment of high anal fistula / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for the treatment of high anal fistula.Methods The clinical data of 77 patients with high anal fistula who were admitted to the Puren Hospital and Chaoyang Hospital from January 2011 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were treated using the LIFT method (LIFT group,37 patients) or fistulectomy + threaddrawing therapy (thread-drawing group,40 patients).The operation time,healing time,time and severity of postoperative pain,recurrence and anal sphincter dysfunction were compared between the 2 groups.The measurement data,the count data and the rank data were analyzed using the t test,chi-square test,and the rank sum test,respectively.Results The operation time of the LIFT group and the thread-drawing group were (21.4 ± 2.0) minutes and (20.6 ± 1.9) minutes,with no significant difference between the 2 groups (t =1.911,P ＞ 0.05).In the LIFT group,17 patients felt low-grade pain,no patient felt medium-grade or severe pain.In the thread-drawing group,7 patients felt low-grade pain,14 patients felt medium-grade pain,19 patients felt severe pain.The duration of postoperative pain in the LIFT group and the thread-drawing group were (3.0 ± 1.3) days and (14.1 ± 1.5)days,respectively.The severity and duration of postoperative pain of the LIFT group were significant lower and shorter than those of the thread-drawing group (u =-7.189,t =34.534,P ＜ 0.05).The healing time,anal scar area and anal sphincter function score were (26.0 ± 1.9) days,(1.24 ± 0.20) cm2 and 1 in the LIFT group,and (40.7 ± 2.8) days,(2.64 ± 0.25) cm2 and 4 in the thread-drawing group,with no significant difference between the 2 groups (t =26.574,26.868,Z =-7.513,P ＜ 0.05).The effective rate of the 2 treatment methods were 100％.The cure rate and recurrence rate were 51.4％ (19/37) and 5.4％ (2/37) in the LIFT group,and 42.5％ (17/40) and 2.5％ (1/40) in the thread-drawing group.There were no significant differences in the cure rate and recurrence rate between the 2 groups (x2=0.605,0.433,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion LIFF method has higher cure rate for high anal fistula with short time of postoperative pain and healing,good anal sphincter function and low recurrence rate.

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 Effect of Fistulectomy with Seton in Intersphincteric Fistula

Intersphincteric fistulas are the most prevalent fistulas encountered by a surgeon. In general, there are two surgical methods for treating intersphincteric fistulas: fistulotomy and fistulectomy. The advantage of a fistulotomy is less sphincter muscle destruction; the disadvantage is a higher recurrence rate. The advantage of a fistulectomy is a lower recurrence rate; the disadvantage is more sphincter muscle destruction and a higher flatus incontinence rate. Because of the disadvantages with both surgical methods, the authors have developed a new method for treating intersphincteric fistulas. The new method is a fistulectomy with seton. A fistulectomy with seton is a seton tightening of the remaining internal sphincter and subcutaneous external sphincter after coring out of the fistula tract. The advantages of this method are a lower recurrence rate due to complete removal of the fistula and a lower flatus incontinence rate due to the seton slowly cutting the remaining sphincter muscle. For that reason, the authors submit that fistulectomy with seton is the most effective operation method for treating intersphincteric fistulas, especially because fistulectomy with seton has many advantages such as a lower recurrence rate, a lower flatus incontinence rate, and less anal deformity.