Injection of freshly collected adipose tissue for the treatment complex cryptoglandular anal fistula: case report

Introduction: Perianal fistula is a common colorectal disease which is caused mainly by cryptoglandular disease. Although most cases are treated successfully by surgery, management of complex perianal fistulas (CPAF) remains a challenge with limited results in recurrence and sometimes associated with fecal incontinence. The CPAF treatment with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) had become a research hotspot. The technique started to be used in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) fistulas, where the studies showed safe and goods result from the procedure. Cultured ASCs have been used but this approach requires the preceding collection of adipose tissue, time for isolation of ASCs and subsequent in vitro expansion, need for laboratory facilities, and expertise in cell culturing. These factors have been getting over by using the commercially available alternative, allogenic ASCs. Treatment with allogeneic ASCs has shown good results in patients with CD fistulas, however with the disadvantage of being expensive. Objective: To show that the injection with freshly collected adipose tissue is an alternative to treatment with autologous or allogenic ASCs with several advantages. Methods: In this case report, we show our first experience in the treatment of CPAF with the application of collected adipose tissue in a tertiary referral hospital from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Results The patient had a good postoperative recuperation with a complete fistula healing after 8 months without adverse effects. Conclusion: Injection with freshly collected adipose tissue is a promising and apparently safe sphincter-sparing technique in the treatment of CPAF. (AU)

Doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante: o gênero do paciente é relevante? Uma revisão sistemática / Fistulizing perianal crohn's disease: is the patient's sex a burden? a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease poses a treatment challenge, and researchers postulate that this phenotype in young male patients could have a worst outcome. Objective: Thus, the aim of this study was to assess whether sex influences the response to treatment for these patients. Methods: This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022319629) was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. We selected articles published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian between 2010 and 2020 in the PubMed and Science Direct databases. According to the PICO acronym, prospective studies in patients older than 18 years with the objective of treating fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease were selected. Studies in pediatric populations, retrospective, without treatment objectives, and that included only rectovaginal fistulas or a single sex were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Of the 1887 articles found, 33 were included. Most studies used anti-TNF drugs as treatment (n=11). Ten studies had subgroup analyses; of them, the two studies reporting sex differences used infliximab and adalimumab as treatment and showed that women had a longer fistula closure time than men. Conclusion: This systematic review showed that few data corroborate the difference between sexes in the treatment of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease, possibly having a greater relationship with the phenotype. However, considering the lack of results, further studies with this objective and with standardization of fistulas and response assessment methods are needed.

RESUMO Contexto: A doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante representa um desafio de tratamento, e postula-se que esse fenótipo em pacientes jovens do sexo masculino poderia ter um pior resultado. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o sexo influencia a resposta ao tratamento desses pacientes. Métodos: Esta revisão sistemática (PROSPERO CRD42022319629) foi conduzida de acordo com o protocolo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Foram selecionados artigos publicados em inglês, espanhol, português e italiano entre 2010 e 2020 nas bases de dados PubMed e Science Direct. De acordo com o acrônimo PICO, foram selecionados estudos prospectivos em pacientes maiores de 18 anos com objetivo de tratamento da doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante. Foram excluídos estudos em populações pediátricas, retrospectivos, sem objetivos de tratamento e que incluíssem apenas fístulas retovaginais ou um único sexo. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada usando a ferramenta de risco de viés Cochrane e a escala Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados: Dos 1.887 artigos encontrados, 33 foram incluídos. A maioria dos estudos utilizou medicamentos anti-TNF como tratamento (n=11). Dez estudos tiveram análises de subgrupos; deles, os dois estudos que relataram diferenças entre os sexos usaram infliximabe e adalimumabe como tratamento e mostraram que as mulheres tiveram um tempo de fechamento da fístula maior que os homens. Conclusão: Esta revisão sistemática mostrou que poucos dados corroboram a diferença entre os sexos no tratamento da doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante, possivelmente tendo maior relação com o fenótipo. Porém, dada à falta de resultados, são necessários mais estudos com esse objetivo e com padronização das fístulas e métodos de avaliação da resposta.

Approaches in the treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn disease

Perianal fistula is a common complication of Crohn disease, and it is a great burden on the life and psychology of patients, but its treatment is still a difficult problem to face. In recent years, progress in the treatment of Crohn disease has progressed rapidly due to the advent of biological agents, but there has been a lack of research on perianal fistula in Crohn disease, and the direction of research has been scattered; therefore, the author reviews the traditional treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn disease in the context of the available literature and discusses emerging and potential therapeutic approaches. (AU)

Tratamiento de fístulas perianales complejas mediante tapón de colágeno piramidal. ¿En la geometría está la solución?

Introducción: Las fístulas perianales complejas siguen siendo un auténtico desafío terapéutico en nuestros días, dada la ausencia de una terapia universal y los resultados a largo plazo, ya que el porcentaje de complicaciones o recidivas no es desdeñable. Entre las opciones terapéuticas encontramos los tapones biológicos, siendo respetuosos con los esfínteres, pero con resultados dispares. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados a largo plazo tras la colocación de un tapón de colágeno piramidal en dos pacientes con fístula perianal compleja. Materiales y Método: Se presentan 2 pacientes con fístula perianal compleja intervenidos mediante colocación de tapón biológico cumpliendo estrictos criterios de inclusión. Discusión: Dentro del arsenal terapéutico disponible actualmente, los tapones biológicos prometen una solución definitiva para determinadas fístulas perianales, evitando una posible incontinencia. Con resultados dispares en la bibliografía, en nuestros dos casos los pacientes han evolucionado de forma excelente, con resolución completa de la enfermedad fistulosa sin complicaciones ni recidiva a largo plazo. Conclusiones: Dados los excepcionales resultados obtenidos en nuestros dos primeros casos con este tipo de tapón, nos planteamos si la morfología del mismo puede ser determinante en su éxito.

Introduction: Complex perianal fistulas continue to be a real therapeutic challenge today, given the absence of universal therapy and long-term results, since the percentage of complications or recurrences is not negligible. Among the therapeutic options we find biological plugs, being respectful with the sphincters but with disparate results. Aim: To evaluate the long-term results after the placement of a pyramidal collagen plug in two patients with complex perianal fistula. Materials and Method: We present two patients with complex perianal fistula who were operated on by placing a biological plug, meeting strict inclusion criteria. Discussion: Within the therapeutic arsenal currently available, biological plugs promise a definitive solution for certain perianal fistulas, avoiding possible incontinence. With different results in the literature, in our two cases the patients have evolved excellently, with complete resolution of the fistulous disease without complications or long-term recurrence. Conclusions: Considering the exceptional results obtained in our first two cases with this type of plug, we wonder if its morphology can be a determining factor in its success.

Evaluation of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction in the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistula

Background: High perianal fistula treatment remains challenging, mainly due to the variability in success and recurrence rates as well as continence impairment risks. So far, no procedure can be considered the gold standard for surgical treatment. Yet, strong efforts to identify effective and complication-free surgical options are ongoing. Fistulotomy can be considered the best perianal fistula treatment option, providing a perfect surgical field view, allowing direct access to the source of chronic inflammation. Controversy exists concerning the risk of continence impairment associated with fistulotomy. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction regaring fistula recurrence, incontinence, and patient satisfaction. Methods: This interventional study was performed at the General Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospital during the period from July 2018 to December 2019 on 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. The fistulous tract was laid open over the probe placed in the tract. After the fistula tract had been laid open, the tract was curetted and examined for secondary extensions. Then, suturing muscles to muscles, including the internal and external sphincters, by transverse mattress sutures. Results: Our study showed that 2 patients develop incontinence to flatus ~ 8.3%.and only one patient develop incontinence to loose stool, 4.2%. Complete healing was achieved in 83% and recurrence was 16.6%. Conclusion: Fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction is considered to be an effective option in the management of high perianal fistula, with low morbidity and high healing rate with acceptable continence state. (AU)

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Perianal Fistula

Introduction: Perianal fistula is an abnormal infected tract that connects the internal opening in the anal canal to the external opening in the perianal skin. It is an important cause of significant patient morbidity related to the lower intestinal tract. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice in the pre-operative assessment of perianal fistulas due to its excellent soft tissue resolution to accurately demonstrate the anatomy of the perianal region and the relationship of the fistulous tracts to the pelvic diaphragm and the ischiorectal fossae. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the role of MRI in evaluation of perianal fistula and to correlate the imaging findings with post-surgical data. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 50 patients of all age groups with perianal fistulas were evaluated by MRI in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital over a period of 1 year. MRI was performed on 1.5 Tesla Hitachi ECHELON SMART - 523 MRI machine using the required protocol and sequences. Fistulas were classified according to St James’s University Hospital MRI classification system and imaging findings were compared with post-surgical data. Results: MRI could detect the presence of fistula in all 50 patients, indicating 100% sensitivity. Most patients (68%) had internal opening on the posterior aspect of anal canal. Active fistulous tract was seen in 43 patients (86%) and chronic fibrosed tracts in 7 patients (14%). The most common type according to MRI grading was Grade I (54%), followed by Grade II (30%), Grade III (8%), and Grade IV (6%), respectively. MRI correctly described the type of fistula in 96% of cases. Conclusion: This study concludes that MRI proved as a valuable imaging modality in evaluation of perianal fistula and should always be performed in patients before surgery.

Evaluation of a Seton Procedure Combined With Infliximab Therapy (Early vs. Late) in Perianal Fistula With Crohn Disease

PURPOSE: We assessed the clinical outcomes of a seton procedure combined with early versus late institution of infliximab (IFX) therapy. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 76 patients who underwent surgery for perianal fistula associated with Crohn disease between January 2014 and November 2017. All patients underwent loose seton drainage combined with IFX therapy. Patients categorized as the early group (EG, 49 patients) received IFX therapy within 30 days of completion of the seton procedure. Patients categorized as the late group (LG, 27 patients) received IFX therapy >30 days after the seton procedure. IFX therapy was administered as induction and maintenance therapy. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in clinical characteristics of the patients. The mean follow-up was 21.0 ± 11.6 months in the EG and 34.5 ± 18.4 months in the LG (P = 0.001). The mean interval between seton procedure and IFX induction therapy was 12.2 days in the EG and 250.2 days in the LG (P = 0.002). Complete remission was observed in 32 patients (65.3%) in the EG and 17 patients (63.0%) in the LG (P = 0.844). Fistula recurrence was observed in 6 patients (7.9%). All recurrences occurred in a previous perianal fistula tract. CONCLUSION: Patients showed a good response to a seton procedure combined with IFX therapy regardless of the time of initiation of IFX therapy.

Application of Biological Agents in Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease / 胃肠病学

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pfCD)often indicates aggressive and refractory phenotype. Two-thirds of the patients with pfCD will relapse,so the treatment is really challenging. Currently,biological agents have made great progress. The application of biological agents such as infliximab brings new hope to the treatment of pfCD. This article reviewed the application of biological agents in treatment of pfCD.

Retrospective analysis of patients submitted to surgical treatment of perianal fistula in Santa Marcelina Hospital, São Paulo / Análise retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos à tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal no Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo

Abstract Introduction Perianal fistula is a condition commonly found in surgical practice, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals, with a predisposition for the male gender, occurring mainly in patients between 30 and 50 years and in 80% of the cases originating from infection in the glandular crypts (cryptoglandular). Objective To perform a retrospective analysis using electronic medical record data of patients submitted to surgical treatment for perianal fistula in Santa Marcelina Hospital in São Paulo, as well as to verify the incidence of relapse and anal continence disorders, in addition to the complexity and types of fistulas and patient characterization. Results Two hundred patients were submitted to surgical treatment of perianal fistula were analyzed. Among men, there was a higher incidence of patients with lower educational level (p = 0.02), hypertension (0.03), diabetes (0.05), older age (p = 0.001), whereas among women previous perianal abscess predominated (0.001). There was no statistical difference in anal continence between patients submitted to fistulotomy with or without seton. Conclusion We observed a predominance of male patients and a low incidence of recurrence and symptoms of anal continence disorders, in addition to a predominance of complex fistulas.

Resumo Introdução Fístula perianal é uma condição comumente encontrada na prática cirúrgica com incidência de cerca 1 em 10000 indivíduos com predisposição para o sexo masculino, ocorrendo fundamentalmente em pacientes entre 30 e 50 anos e em 80% dos casos tem origem em infecção nas criptas glandulares (criptoglandular). Objetivo Realizar análise retrospectiva através de dados de prontuário eletrônico de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal no Hospital Santa Marcelina São Paulo, além de verificar a incidência de recidiva e desordens da continência anal, além da complexidade e tipos das fístulas e caracterização dos pacientes. Resultados Duzentos pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal. Entre os homens houve maior incidência de pacientes com menor escolaridade (p = 0,02), hipertensos (0,03), diabéticos (0,05), maior idade (p = 0,001) e nas mulheres predominou abscesso perianal prévio (p = 0,001). Não houve diferença estatística na continência anal entre os pacientes submetidos a fistulotomia com ou sem sedenho. Conclusão Verifica-se predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino e uma baixa incidência de recidiva e sintomas de desordens da continência anal, além de um predomínio de fístulas complexas.

A necktie fashion vascular loop seton tie may simplify the treatment of perianal fistula / O seton para alça vascular com laçada em forma de nó de gravata pode simplificar o tratamento da fístula perianal

ABSTRACT Seton for treatment of perianal fistula can be of the cutting or a loose type. We adopted a simple technique for tighten the seton by applying a necktie shape tie on the vascular loop, hence it can be used for drainage on the beginning, and for cutting purpose later on. In this retrospective study we report our experience on this seton tie method. Material and methods: Patients operated for perianal fistula between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. Results: Of 63 patients operated, 23 (35%) had a necktie-tie seton. There were 15 (65%) men. Age 34.1 ± 10.6. Six (26%) had a recurrent fistula, 2 (9%) with loose seton in place. The external opening: anterior four (17%), lateral fifteen (65%), posterior three (13%), one patient (4%) had two opening. The internal opening was identified: posterior seventeen (74%), anterior four (17%) and right posterior two (8%). Nineteen (82%) had a trans-sphenteric tract, four (17%) females had an anterior location. Operative time was 32 min (range 22-55). The seton was tightened 4 times (range 2-5) with 2 weeks interval. Healing was achieved in 7 weeks (range 5-11). In 24 months (range 12-35) follow-up, no reported anal incontinence. Recurrence was observed in one patient (4%). Conclusion: The necktie tightening of the vascular loop seton is a simple, safe, easily performed and may simplify the seton management of perianal fistulae.

RESUMO Setons para o tratamento de fístula perianal podem ser do tipo de corte ou do tipo frouxo. Adotamos uma técnica simples para apertar o seton, pela aplicação, na alça vascular, de uma laçada em forma de nó de gravata. Desse modo, inicialmente a laçada pode ser utilizada para drenagem e, subsequentemente, para as finalidades de corte. Neste estudo retrospectivo, relatamos nossa experiência com este método de aplicação da laçada do Seton em nó de gravata. Material e métodos: Foram revisados pacientes operados para fístula perianal entre 2012-2014. Resultados: Dos 63 pacientes operados, 23 (35%) receberam um Seton em nó de gravata. Desse total, 15 (65%) eram homens, com média de idade de 34,1 ± 10,6 anos. Seis (26%) tiveram fístula recorrente, e dois (9%) tiveram afrouxamento do seton in loco. Foram identificadas aberturas externas: anteriores, quatro (17%); laterais, 15 (65%); posteriores, três (13%); e duas aberturas em um paciente (4%). Também foram identificadas aberturas internas: posteriores, 17 (74%); anteriores, quatro (17%); e posteriores direitas, duas (8%). Em 19 (82%) havia um trato trans-esfinctérico, e quatro pacientes mulheres (17%) tiveram localização anterior. O tempo de cirurgia foi de 32 minutos (variação, 22-55). O seton foi apertado 4 vezes (variação, 2-5) a intervalos de 2 semanas. A cicatrização ocorreu em sete semanas (variação, 5-11). Ao longo dos 24 meses (variação, 12-35) de seguimento dos pacientes, não houve relato de incontinência anal. Houve recorrência em um paciente (4%). Conclusão: O aperto do Seton em alça vascular pela técnica do nó de gravata é método simples, seguro, de fácil realização e que pode simplificar o tratamento de fístulas perianais com Seton.

Analysis of perianal fistulas of ileocolonic Crohn's disease by CT enterography / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To explore the relationship between ileocolonic lesions and perianal fistulas of Crohn's disease as sessed by CT enterography (CTE).Methods Totally 28 patients with initial diagnosis of active ileocolonic lesions of Crohn 's disease were collected,16 with perianal fistula and 11 without perianal fistulas.All patients underwent CTE and pelvic MRI.Total number of lesions,minimum length between every two lesions in colon wall and maximum length of colonic le sions were calculated.The rank sum test was performed respectively.Results Lesions of 14 patients (14/16,87.50％) in perianal fistulas group located in left colon or rectum,while lesions of 6 patients (6/12,50.00 ％) in non-perianal fistulas group located in left colon or rectum,the difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.135,P＜0.05).The mean number of lesions in patients with perianal fistulas was 3.06,while in patients without perianal fistulas was 2.91,there was no statistical difference (P＞0.05).The maximum length of colonic lesions in patients with perianal fistulas was (12.79± 8.30)cm,while in patients without perianal fistulas was (7.04± 3.09)cm,and there was no statistical difference(P＞ 0.05).The minimum length hetween every two lesions in patients with perianal fistulas was (5.23±2.98)cm,while in pa tients without perianal fistulas was (8.44 ± 2.87) cm,the difference was statistically significant (Z =-2.095,P＜ 0.05).Conclusion Crohn's disease complicated with perianal fistulas has relationship with lesion location and smaller length intervals between two lesions in colon wall,and has no relationship with total number of lesions and maximum length of colon lesions.

Clinical efficacy of adalimumab versus infliximab and the factors associated with recurrence or aggravation during treatment of anal fistulas in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infliximab has proven to be effective in the treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) but the efficacy of adalimumab is still unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of adalimumab and compare the results with those for infliximab. METHODS: Forty-seven CD patients treated for perianal fistulas with infliximab from September 2005 to December 2010 (n=31), or with adalimumab from November 2010 to May 2012 (n=16), were enrolled in this retrospective study. The following patient characteristics were analyzed; intestinal lesion site, fistula classification, seton placement, index of inflammatory bowel disease, C-reactive protein level, follow-up period, and the cumulative rate of nonrecurrence or aggravation of fistula. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the intestinal lesion site, fistula classification, inflammatory bowel disease index, C-reactive protein level, and the frequency of injection between the infliximab group and the adalimumab group. The cumulative rate of nonrecurrence or aggravation of fistula was 62.5% in the adalimumab group and 83.9% in the infliximab group at 24 months after treatment (P=0.09). The risk factors for recurrence or aggravation may be related to seton placement (P=0.02), gender (P=0.06), and fistula classification (P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the clinical efficacy of adalimumab and infliximab in the treatment of perianal fistulas in CD. However, fistula classification may be an important risk factor for recurrence or aggravation. The preliminary findings in this study show that further research is warranted.

Clinical efficacy of surgery combined with anti-TNF-alpha in treatment of Crohn's disease with perianal fistulas: a Meta analysis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To evaluate systematically the clinical efficacy of surgery combined with anti-TNFalpha in treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) with perianal fistula.Method Database including China Biology Medicine disc,Wan Fang Database,PubMed,Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched withCrohn's disease,anal fistula,fistula,perianal fistula,surgical procedure,surgery,surgical,anti-tumor necrosis factoralpha,anti-TNF-alpha,TNF-alpha,克罗恩病,Crohn's病,肛瘘,手术治疗,外科手术,抗肿瘤坏死因子α制剂,肿瘤坏死因子,肿瘤坏死因子配体超家族员2”between the database establishment and June 2016.Literatures of retrospective case-control studies about surgery combined with anti-TNF-alpha therapy and single surgery in treatment of CD with perianal fistula were retrieved.Data were extracted and evaluated by 2 independent researchers.Patients who underwent surgery combined with anti-TNF-alpha therapy were allocated into the combined therapy group and patients who underwent single surgical treatment were allocated into the surgery group.The complete healing rate,partial healing rate and recurrence rate after therapy were compared between the 2 groups.Count data were represented as the odds ratio (OR) and 95％ confidence interval (CI).The heterogeneity was analyzed by theI2 test.Result Six retrospective case-control studies were retrieved and total sample size was 598 patients,including 256 in the combined therapy group and 342 in the surgery group.The result of Meta analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative complete healing rate and partial healing rate between the 2 groups (OR =1.36,1.47,95 ％ CI:0.94-1.97,0.56-3.88,P ＞ 0.05),and recurrence rate after therapy in the combined therapy group was significantly lower than that in the surgery group (OR =0.26,95％ CI:0.16-0.44,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The complete healing rate and partial healing rate of patients with CD with perianal fistula undergoing surgery combined with anti-TNF-alpha therapy are not superior to that undergoing single surgical treatment,however,recurrence rate after therapy is lower for patients undergoing surgery combined with anti-TNF-alpha therapy.

Perianal fistula:MRI classification and DWI features / 实用放射学杂志

Objective MRI findings of 1 6 perianal fistula patients were retrospectively analyzed to improve the value of imaging diagnosis and to help making clinical management.Methods 1 6 cases of periansl fistula were classified by Parks classification and St.James University hospital grades.MRI manifestations were compared with operation results,and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)features were observed.Results According to Parks classification,there were 7 cases of intersphincteric fistula and trans-sphincteric fistula,respectively,1 case of suprasphincteric fistula and extrasphincteric fistula,respectively.According to St.James University hospital grades,there were 5 cases of grade Ⅰ,2 cases of grade Ⅱ,5 cases of grade Ⅲ,2 cases of grade Ⅳ and 2 cases of grade Ⅴ.MR imaging had a sensitivity of 93.75% and a specificity of 100% for detecting perianal fistula.Displaying rate of in-ternal opening was 79.1 7%.Only 3 cases with perianal abscess could be clearly detected on DWI.Conclusion MRI can be used to identify the internal fistula opening and the course of perianal fistula,determine the location and shape of abscess,as well as whether they combined with branch.MRI may provide excellent anatomic and pathologic information for classification and clinical manage-ment.But DWI has limited value for detection of perianal fistula.

Comparison between infliximab and adalimumab in the treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease / Comparação entre adalimumabe e infliximabe no tratamento das fístulas perianais na doença de Crohn

Introduction: The fistulizing form of Crohn's disease (CD) represents a great challenge regarding treatment, especially perianal fistulas, for its high prevalence. Objective: To assess factors related to the response to surgical treatment associated with anti-TNF inpatients with CD and perianal fistulas. Method: Retrospective study of patients with CD and perianal fistulas who used IFX or ADA in association with surgical treatment. Results: 30 patients with a mean age of 35 years were studied; 16 were treated with ADA (9 ADA + AZA) and 14 with IFX (10 IFX + AZA); ten of those treated with ADA responded, and of the six non-respondents, only one responded to IFX; eight responded to IFX, and among those non-respondents, no one showed response with ADA; among the respondents, there were 10 men and nine women; of those non-respondents, eight were men and 3 women; of those under 40 years, 16 responded compared with only three non-respondents; of those over 40 years, three responded versus eight non-respondents; as to the time elapsed between the onset of the disease and the beginning of anti-TNF, 14 (<2 years), one (2-5 years) and four (>5 years) responded, and five (<2 years), four (2-5 years) and two (>5 years) were non-respondents. Conclusion: There was no difference in response between the anti-TNF agents used; a better response was noted in those who used anti-TNF in combination with azathioprine, among women, in those under 40 years and in those treated within two years of the onset of the disease. (AU)

Introdução: A forma fistulizante da Doença de Crohn (DC) apresenta um grande desafio quanto ao seu tratamento, especialmente as fístulas perianais pela sua alta prevalência. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores relacionados à resposta ao tratamento cirúrgico associado ao anti-TNF de pacientes com fístulas perianais por DC. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com fístulas perianais por DC que fizeram uso de IFX ou ADA associado ao tratamento cirúrgico. Resultados: Foram estudados 30 pacientes com média de idade de 35 anos; 16 foram tratados com ADA (9 ADA + AZA) e 14 com IFX (10 IFX + AZA); 10 dos tratados com ADA tiveram resposta; e dos seis que não responderam, apenas um teve resposta com IFX; oito tiveram resposta com IFX; e dos que não responderam, nenhum apresentou resposta com ADA; dos que responderam, 10 eram homens e nove mulheres; dos que não responderam, oito eram homens e três mulheres; daqueles com menos de 40 anos, 16 responderam contra apenas três que não responderam; dos com mais de 40 anos, três responderam contra oito que não responderam; quanto ao tempo decorrido entre o início da doença e o início do anti-TNF, 14 (<2 anos), um (2-5 anos) e quatro (>5 anos) responderam, e cinco (<2 anos), quatro (2-5 anos) e dois (>5 anos) não responderam. Conclusão: Não houve diferença de resposta entre os agentes anti-TNF utilizados; houve melhor resposta nos que utilizaram anti-TNF em associação com azatioprina, entre as mulheres, nos pacientes com menos de 40 anos e naqueles tratados com até dois anos do início da doença. (AU)

Tratamiento de la fístula perianal en la enfermedad de Crohn a partir de una experiencia local / Treatment of perianal fistulae in Crohn´s disease: a local experience

Background: Perianal fistula (PF) may be present in 40 percent of patients with Crohn´s Disease (CD). Due to its complexity, its management should be multidisciplinary. Purpose: To describe clinical treatment in patients with CD and PF in our institution. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive retroprospective study, using a registry of CD patients. We selected patients with PF and further characterized those patients that received their treatment at Clínica las Condes (CLC). Results: From a total of 74 patients with CD in the registry, 23 (31 percent) had PF, 61 percent male, median of 7 years of disease and half with colonic extension. Twelve patients were treated in CLC, from these, seven had concomitant proctitis. Optimal diagnostic study (magnetic resonance imaging/endorectal ultrasound plus examination under anesthetic) was performed in eleven (92 percent) patients. Ten (83 percent) patients received an optimal treatment (drainage and installation of a loose seton + start or optimization of medical therapy). Complete clinical response was achieved in more than half of the patients under optimal treatment within the first 6 months. Six (50 percent) patients had one or more recurrences of PF with similar study and management in a median of 13 months. With a median follow-up of 29 months, eight out of 12 patients had complete clinical response. There was one patient with unfavorable course who required a proctectomy and terminal diversion. Conclusion: Treatment of PF in CD is complex and in our population, the first-line treatment includes the installation of a loose seton and medical therapy to achieve clinical response even though fistulous tracts may persist.

Introducción: La fístula perianal (FP) puede presentarse hasta en 40 por ciento de los pacientes con Enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Dada su complejidad el tratamiento debe ser multidisciplinario. Objetivo: Describir el tratamiento de los pacientes portadores de EC con FP. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, utilizando un registro de pacientes con EC. Se seleccionaron los pacientes con FP y se caracterizaron aquellos que recibieron el tratamiento en Clínica Las Condes (CLC). Resultados: De un total de 74 pacientes con EC, 23 (31 por ciento) presentaban FP asociada, 61 por ciento de sexo masculino, mediana de duración de enfermedad 7 años y la mitad con extensión colónica. Doce pacientes fueron tratados en CLC, de ellos, siete presentaban proctitis al momento de la FP. En 11 (92 por ciento) pacientes se realizó un estudio diagnóstico óptimo (resonancia magnética/ endosonografía transrrectal y exploración bajo anestesia). Diez (83 por ciento) pacientes recibieron tratamiento óptimo biasociado (drenaje e instalación de sedal no cortante + inicio u optimización de terapia médica). Siete pacientes con tratamiento óptimo presentaron mejoría clínica completa dentro de los primeros 6 meses. Seis (50 por ciento) pacientes presentaron una o más recurrencia de FP con estudio y manejo similar en una mediana de 13 meses. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 29 meses, ocho de los 12 pacientes obtuvieron mejoría clínica completa. Una paciente evolucionó desfavorablemente, requiriendo proctectomía y ostomía terminal. Conclusión: El manejo del FP en EC es complejo, en nuestra población el tratamiento biasociado (sedal + fármacos) fue de elección para lograr una mejoría clínica aun cuando persistieron los trayectos fistulosos.

Imaging of Anal Fistulas: Comparison of Computed Tomographic Fistulography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The primary importance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating anal fistulas lies in its ability to demonstrate hidden areas of sepsis and secondary extensions in patients with fistula in ano. MR imaging is relatively expensive, so there are many healthcare systems worldwide where access to MR imaging remains restricted. Until recently, computed tomography (CT) has played a limited role in imaging fistula in ano, largely owing to its poor resolution of soft tissue. In this article, the different imaging features of the CT and MRI are compared to demonstrate the relative accuracy of CT fistulography for the preoperative assessment of fistula in ano. CT fistulography and MR imaging have their own advantages for preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula, and can be applied to complement one another when necessary.

Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of Anal Ducts

Anal duct carcinoma is a rare tumor, and accounts for less than 5 percent of all anal cancers, which typically present a long-standing perianal fistulas. Some authors suggest that the fistulous tracts are congenital duplications of the lower end of the hind gut lined by rectal mucosa which is prone to malignant change to mucinous adenocarcinoma. It is usually a well differentiated mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma. The prognosis after wide excision of the rectum is relatively good. Since 1985, we have had three cases of anal duct carcinoma with well differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma involving the posterior wall of the anus. Two patients had a long history of perianal fistula with mucinous discharge. There was no spread to the regional lymph node except one patient who had regional lymph node metastasis, and post-operative chemotherapy and radiation therapy were then given. All patients have no evidence of any recurrent problem at 16 months to 3 years following the surgical treatment. Because of their rarity and the failure of recognition at an early stage, we are presenting three cases to emphasize the characteristic features of this insidious, slow-growing carcinoma.