Ligadura del trayecto fistuloso interesfinteriano. Nuestros resultados / Ligation of the intersphincteric fistulatract. Our results

Introducción: existen varias técnicas para el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas anales, con variables resultados. La técnica de ligadura del trayecto fistuloso interesfinteriano (LIFT) consiste en la disección del espacio entre ambos esfínteres para localizar el trayecto fistuloso y proceder a su ligadura y sección. Objetivo: evaluar nuestros resultados con la técnica de LIFT para del tratamiento de las fístulas anales transesfinterianas. Diseño: retrospectivo, observacional de corte transversal. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con fístulas transesfinterianas tratados con LIFT desde enero de 2013 a diciembre 2020. El seguimiento postoperatorio se realizó hasta los 2 años. Resultados: se operaron 62 pacientes. El sexo predominante fue masculino. Hubo 47 pacientes con fístulas transesfinterianas bajas y 15 con fístulas transesfinterianas altas. En todos se identificó el trayecto fistuloso realizándose ligadura de ambos cabos del trayecto interesfinteriano y se procedió a un curetaje del trayecto a través del orificio externo. Cinco pacientes (8%) presentaron dehiscencia de piel a nivel de la incisión del espacio interesfinteriano, manejado en forma conservadora. Este grupo tuvo una cicatrización mas retardada de 4 semanas. Ocurrió recidiva en 22 (35,5%) pacientes. Conclusión: La técnica de LIFT parece una alternativa eficaz y segura para el tratamiento de las fístulas transesfinterianas bajas y altas ya que no altera la anatomía ni la continencia. (AU)

Introduction: there are various techniques for the surgical treatment of anal fistulas, with variable results. The ligation procedure of the intersphincteric fistulous tract (LIFT) consists of dissecting the space between both sphincters to locate the fistulous tract and proceed to its ligation and section. Objective: to evaluate our results with the LIFT procedure for the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulas. Design: retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. Material and methods: all patients with transsphincteric fistulas treated with LIFT from January 2013 to December 2020 were included. Postoperative follow-up was carried out for up to 2 years. Results: sixty-two patients underwent surgery. The predominant sex was male. There were 47 patients with low transsphincteric fistulas and 15 with high transsphincteric fistulas. After identifying the fistulous tract in the intersphincteric groove, both ends were ligated and the tract was cut. Finally, curettage of the tract through the external orifice was performed. Five patients (8%) presented skin dehiscence at the level of the intersphincteric groove incision, managed conservatively. This group had a longer healing time of four weeks. Recurrence occurred in 22 (35.5%) patients. Conclusion: the LIFT procedure appears to be an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of low and high transsphincteric fistulas, since it does not alter the anatomy or continence. (AU)

Fístula enterocutánea: un enfoque desde las generalidades y el estado nutricional / Enterocutaneous fistula: An approach based on generalities and nutritional status

Introducción. Una fístula es una conexión anormal entre dos superficies epitelizadas. Cerca del 80 % de las fístulas entero-cutáneas son de origen iatrogénico secundarias a cirugía, y un menor porcentaje se relacionan con traumatismos, malignidad, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal o isquemia. La morbilidad y las complicaciones asociadas pueden ser significativas, como la desnutrición, en la que intervienen múltiples factores. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en las bases de datos de PubMed, Google Scholar y SciELO, utilizando las palabras claves descritas y se seleccionaron los artículos más relevantes de los últimos años. Resultados. La clasificación de las fístulas se basa en su anatomía, su gasto o secreción diaria y su localización. Existe una tríada clásica de las complicaciones: sepsis, desnutrición y anomalías electrolíticas. El control del gasto de la fístula, el drenaje adecuado de las colecciones y la terapia antibiótica son claves en el manejo precoz de estos pacientes. Los estudios recientes hacen hincapié en que la sepsis asociada con la desnutrición son las principales causas de mortalidad. Conclusiones. Esta condición representa una de las complicaciones de más difícil y prolongado tratamiento en cirugía abdominal y colorrectal, y se relaciona con importantes tasas de morbilidad, mortalidad y altos costos para el sistema de salud. Es necesario un tratamiento multidisciplinario basado en la reanimación con líquidos, el control de la sepsis, el soporte nutricional y el cuidado de la herida, entre otros factores.

Introduction. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces. About 80% of enterocutaneous fistulas are of iatrogenic origin secondary to surgery, and a smaller percentage are related to trauma, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease or ischemia. The associated morbidity and complications can be significant, such as malnutrition, in which multiple factors intervene. Methods. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar and SciELO databases using the keywords described and the most relevant articles from recent years were selected. Results. The classification of fistulas is based on their anatomy, their daily secretion output, and their location. There is a classic triad of complications: sepsis, malnutrition and electrolyte abnormalities. Control of fistula output, adequate drainage of the collections and antibiotic therapy are key to the early management of these patients. Recent studies emphasize that sepsis associated with malnutrition are the main causes of mortality. Conclusions. This condition represents one of the most difficult and prolonged complications to treat in abdominal and colorectal surgery, and is related to significant rates of morbidity, mortality and high costs for the health system. Multidisciplinary treatment based on fluid resuscitation, sepsis control, nutritional support, and wound care, among other factors, is necessary.

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)

Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). Methods: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). Conclusion: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidec-tomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.

Predictors of long-term healing for endorectal advancement flap for anorectal fistulas

Introduction: Anorectal fistulas are some of the commonest surgical proctologic disorders treated by surgeons. Despite the recent introduction of various sphincter preserving techniques, the search for the optimal operation continues. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of long-term healing for the endorectal advancement flap. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon experience with the endorectal advancement flap for anorectal fistulas over an 18-year period. The impact of various patient and fistula related factors were analyzed for their impact on the primary endpoint of long-term fistula healing. Results: 87 patients underwent endorectal advancement flap (Male/Female 42.5/57.5%). Median age was 41 years. Sixty-nine patients (79.3%) had anal fistula while 18 patients had rectal fistula (20.7%). An anterior based fistula was noted in 45 patients (51.7%). The most common etiology was cryptoglandular disease (87.4%). The median operative time was 75minutes (range 36-250). Postoperative septic complications were noted in 4 patients (4.6%). Fistula healing was documented in 80 patients (93%). During a median follow-up of 4 months (range 1-38, 1 patient lost to follow-up), recurrence was noted in 8 patients (9.3%), yielding an overall long-term success rate of 83.7%. The long-term healing rate was higher in patients with fistulas from cryptoglandular etiology (86.6%) compared to fistulas from other etiologies (63.6%) [p = 0.027]. Conclusions: The endorectal advancement is associated with a high healing rate, a low postoperative septic complication rate, and infrequent risk for recurrence. Long-term healing without recurrence is achieved more frequently in patients with cryptoglandular etiology of the fistula compared to patients with non-cryptoglandular etiology. (AU)

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)

The efficacy of porcine dermal collagen to treat complex anal fistulae: results of a multicenter cohort

Introduction: The management of complex anal fistulae remains a topical surgical problem. The choice and success of surgical management are based on the balance between healing and continence. Although porcine dermal collagen (Permacol Collagen Paste [PCP]- Covidien plc, Gosport, Hampshire, UK) represents a new generation of non-solid biomaterials, its results in anal fistulae are mixed. Methods: A multicenter observational retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula treated in four colorectal surgery units was performed between 2015 and 2020. Clinical cure of the fistula was the main outcome measure. Adverse events and alterations in anal continence were secondary outcomes. Results: The study included 119 patients (87 males, 71.1%), with a mean age of 53 years (IR 44-65). Most patients had complex (80.6%) and recurrent (91.6%) fistulae. With the first PCP treatment, the overall cure rate was 41.2% (49 patients) and 45.4% with the second treatment (5 out of 17 patients). The mean follow-up period was 17 months (IR 5-25). Healing was not affected by the location and type of fistula, the existence or not of a cavity, the number of tracts, or the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. After the PCP treatment, no patient in the series had worsening of continence. Morbidity affected 22.7% of the patients (27), with postoperative abscesses being the most frequent adverse event. There were no statistical differences between the four hospitals studied. Conclusions: Permacol collagen paste is a safe and easily reproducible therapy for complicated anal fistulae that has moderate efficacy. The overall success rate is slightly over 40%, with no detriment to fecal continence. (AU)

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)

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)

Adenocarcinoma mucinoso del canal anal: caso clínico y cómo evitar el error en su diagnóstico / Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the anal canal: clinical case and how to avoid errors in its diagnosis / Adenocarcinoma mucinoso do canal anal: caso clínico e como evitar erros no seu diagnóstico

El manejo del adenocarcinoma de recto se ha visto revolucionado por la cirugía mesorectal y la neoadyuvancia al igual que el cáncer epidermoide de ano con el protocolo de Nigro. Sin embargo, los adenocarcinomas de ano constituyen una patología infrecuente, relacionada con procesos inflamatorios crónicos como las fístulas perianales y cuyo tratamiento genera controversias. El desconocimiento de sus características clínicas e imagenológicas puede generar una confusión diagnóstica principalmente con un absceso perianal. Presentamos el caso clínico de un adenocarcinoma de canal anal en relación a una fístula perianal crónica y una revisión de la literatura actual sobre el tema.

The mesorectal surgery and the neoadyuvant treatment have changed the management of rectal adenocarcinoma. The Nigro protocol had the same impact on the squamous cell cancer of the anus. However, the adenocarcinoma of the anus is an infrequent pathology, related to chronic inflammatory processes such as perianal fistulas and its treatment generates controversy. The lack of knowledge about clinical and imaging characteristics of this pathology can lead to diagnostic confusion, mainly with a perianal abscess. We hereby present the clinical case of an anal canal adenocarcinoma in relation to a chronic perianal fistula and a review of the current literature on the subject.

O manejo do adenocarcinoma retal foi revolucionado pela cirurgia mesorretal e pelo tratamento neoadjuvante, assim como o câncer de células escamosas do ânus com o protocolo Nigro. Entretanto, os adenocarcinomas do ânus são uma patologia pouco frequente, relacionada a processos inflamatórios crônicos como as fístulas perianais e cujo tratamento gera controvérsias. O desconhecimento de suas características clínicas e de imagem pode levar a uma confusão diagnóstica, principalmente com o abscesso perianal. Apresentamos o caso clínico de um adenocarcinoma do canal anal relacionado a uma fístula perianal crônica e uma revisão da literatura atual sobre o assunto.

VAAFT PROCEDURE (Video-assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) versus open method in the treatment of high fistula in ano

Background: A common acquired anorectal condition is anal fistula. The treatment approaches that have been employed have been linked to erratic outcomes and sometimes life-threatening consequences. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), a minimally invasive method, was introduced for adult patients in 2011. Objective: To know the efficacy of the VAAFT procedure in treating high anal fistulas and to compare it to open methods in the Basrah province. Methods: The present study was performed on 200 patients with high fistulas in ano in Basrah province. We divided the patients into 2 groups: Group A: treated by the VAAFT technique and Group B: treated by open fistulotomy Results: The patients treated with VAFFT revealed no occurrence of the following postoperative complication: Infection, incontinence, recurrence, anal stenosis, and bleeding. There was lower incidence of pain, short time for wound healing, rapid return to work, and more patient satisfaction compared with open fistulotomy Conclusion: An innovative method for managing ano fistula is VAAFT. Compared with traditional methods, it has a lot of benefits. It is day case surgeryno open wound.no damage to anal sphincter and no risk of incontinence, it is more affordable.it allow for clear identification of internal office, whole tract and its associated branches and cavity. The instrument can be used for multiple patients after good sterilization and disinfection. (AU)

Management of complex fistula-in-ano by interception of fistula track with application of ksharasutra (IFTAK): a novel technique

Objective: Despite all the technological advances, successful management of complex fistula-in-ano is still a challenge due to recurrence and incontinence. The present study evaluates the outcomes of a novel technique, Interception of Fistula Track with Application of Ksharasutra (IFTAK) in terms of success rate and degree of incontinence. Methods: In the present prospective study, 300 patients with complex fistula-inano were treated by the IFTAK technique, whose surgical steps include: incision at the anterior or posterior midline perianal area, identification and interception of the fistulous track at the level of the external sphincter, rerouting the track (and extensions) at the site of interception, and application of a ksharasutra (medicated seton) in the proximal track (from the site of interception to the internal opening) that is laid open gradually, with the resulting wound healing with minimum scarring. The distal track is allowed to heal spontaneously. Results: There were 227 transsphincteric and 73 intersphincteric varieties of fistula with supralevator extension in 23 cases, of which 130 were recurrent fistulas, 29 had horseshoe track, while 25 had blind fistula with no cutaneous opening. The mean duration of the ksharasutra application was 8.11 ± 3.86 weeks with an overall success rate of 93.33% at the 1-year follow-up. A total of 3.67% of the cases reported with a mild impairment of continence on the Wexner incontinence scoring system. Pre- and postoperative anal manometry evaluation showed minimal reduction in median basal and squeeze pressures. Conclusion: The IFTAK technique is a minimally invasive, daycare surgical procedure for the management of complex fistula-in-ano with low recurrence and minimal sphincter damage. (AU)

Infliximab for anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: remission appears to be based on rapid combination therapy at high doses

Study Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare in real life the characteristics of treatment with infliximab according to the presence or absence of anoperineal involvement in Crohn's disease. Methods: We performed a single-center, prospective, non-interventional study, on patients with Crohn's disease in remission who had been treated with infliximab for at least 1 year. Patients with poor treatment compliance, on antibiotics, or those with a stoma were excluded. Results: We included 52 patients in this study: 34 with anoperineal lesions with or without luminal lesions, and 18 with luminal lesions only. Patients with anoperineal lesions were more likely to have undergone surgery (70.6% versus 38.9%, p = 0.027), had a shorter median time to infliximab treatment initiation (0.5 versus 5.5 years, p = 0.005), a higher mean dose of infliximab (6.6 versus 5.1 mg/kg, p = 0.015), and were more likely to receive combination treatments including infliximab (52.9% versus 11.1%, p = 0.008) than patients with luminal involvement only. Conclusions In our study, infliximab treatment was initiated more quickly, at higher doses, and more in combination therapy for anoperineal Crohn's disease than for luminal damage alone. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding and to assess the tolerance of this treatment throughout patient management. (AU)

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)

The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique for simple and complex fistula-in-ano

Background: Fistula-in-ano is one of the most common clinical condition encountered in a surgical outpatient department. Many treatment modalities have been described with variable outcomes but gold standard surgical treatment is yet to be agreed upon. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in the treatment of simple and complex fistula-in-ano with the primary objective of recurrence rate and broad objective of other postoperative complications during the period of study and after long-term follow-up. Methods: It is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from the patients who havebeen operated for fistula-in-ano using the LIFT technique at our institute from February 2018 to March 2020 and followed-up until September 2020. Results: A total of 56 patients with fistula-in-ano were treated with the LIFT procedure during the study period, of which 20 patients had simple fistula and 36 had complex fistula. A success rate of 83% was obtained with completely healed fistulas in 46 patients. No patient developed postoperative incontinence. Conclusion: Ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract is an effective treatmentmodality for fistula-in-ano with less procedure-related morbidity, but it is associated with a higher recurrence rate in simple fistula than in complex fistula. (AU)

Operaciones en dos etapas, utilizando sutura de grosor flexible en el tratamiento de fistula anal de tipo alto en una curación rápida de estimulación y tasa de recurrrencia más baja / Two staged operations using loose thick seton suture in the treatment of high type fistula in ano stimulate rapid healing and lower recurrence rate

Antecedentes: la fístula de ano es un problema crónico para los pacientes. Causa angustia debido al mal olor y la suciedad con infecciones y secreciones recurrentes. La recurrencia y la lesión del esfínter anal fueron las complicaciones más críticas después de la cirugía. La colocación de un setón suelto y grueso fue la operación quirúrgica más prometedora. Reducir el tiempo de colocación del setón para disminuir el sufrimiento de los pacientes por la suciedad y múltiples apósitos. Pacientes y métodos: estudio retrospectivo. Cien pacientes con fístula anal alta tratados quirúrgicamente en la ciudad médica de Al-Sader y en la clínica privada diaria de Al-Najaf, ciudad de Najaf, Irak, desde febrero de 2018 hasta marzo de 2019. Se han tomado imágenes de fistulografía y resonancia magnética de todos los pacientes. Después de eso, se realiza una fistulectomía con sutura de setón suelta y gruesa durante tres meses. Los pacientes con persistencia del trayecto de trayecto fistuloso fueron sometidos a una segunda cirugía y una tercera operación hasta su completa curación. Resultados: Cien pacientes con fístula de tipo alto en ano con 96 varones (96%) y mujeres 4 (4%). La tasa de curación completa entre los pacientes masculinos después de la primera operación fue de 90 (93%), mientras que las mujeres mostraron una tasa de curación completa de 4 (100%) después de la primera operación. Tres de los pacientes varones restantes con un tracto de fístula alto persistente mostraron una curación completa después de la segunda operación, mientras que en 3 (3%) la tasa de curación completa fue del 100% después de la tercera operación. Conclusión: Un setón suelto y grueso colocado en un tracto de fístula de tipo alto durante tres meses brinda una excelente protección al esfínter anal externo con una tasa de recurrencia menor y una curación rápida.

Background: Fistula in ano is a chronic problem for the patients. It causes distressing because of foul odour and soiling with recurrent infection and discharge. Recurrence and anal sphincter injury were the most critical complications following surgery. Loose, thick seton placement was the most promising surgical operation. To reduce the time of seton placement, therefore, decreasing the suffering of patients from soiling and multiple dressing. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study. One hundred patients with high type fistula in ano treated surgically in Al-Sader Medical city and Al-Najaf daily private clinic, Najaf city, Iraq from Feb 2018 to March 2019. Fistulography and magnetic resonance imaging have taken from all patients. After that, fistulectomy with loose, thick seton suture placed for three months. Patients with the persistence of high fistula tract underwent a second surgery and third operation until complete healing. Results: One hundred patients with high type fistula in ano with male 96 (96%) and female patients were 4 (4%). The rate of complete healing among male patients after the first operation was 90 (93%), while female patients showed a 4(100%) rate of complete healing after the first operation. Three of the remaining male patients with persistently high fistula tract showed complete healing after the second operation, whereas 3 (3%) the rate of complete healing was 100% after the third operation. Conclusion: A Loose, thick seton placed in high type fistula tract for three months provides excellent protection to the external anal sphincter with less recurrence rate and rapid healing

Magnetic resonance imaging of perianal fistulas in clinically symptomatic patients and the correlation among plain, contrast, and post jelly MRI fistulography

Abstract Objectives To evaluate different types of perianal fistulas and their complications on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare plain, contrast, and jelly magnetic resonance fistulography findings. Materials and Methods This prospective study was performed in 30 patients who presented with perianal pus discharge or external fistulous opening. Magnetic resonance imaging of the perianal region before and after giving intravenous contrast and after injecting jelly through a percutaneous opening was performed on a 3T scanner and the results were correlated. Results The mean age of the patients was 40.13±13.88 years (range 19-75 years). The male to female ratio was 14:1. The most common type of fistula was St. James classification type I, which was seen in 13 patients (43%), followed by type IV in 30%, type III in 16%, type II in 6.66%, and type V in 3.33% of the patients. Using agreement analysis, we compared the number of primary and secondary tracts, internal openings, and horseshoe tracts and found a significant agreement between plain and post Jelly MRI fistulography (kappa statistic close to 1).When comparing plain and contrast MRI, there was significant agreement in the primary and secondary tracts, while statistically insignificant results were obtained (p>0.05) for the horseshoe tract and internal openings. Contrast injection was helpful in 7 subjects (23.3%) as peripheral enhancement of abscesses were better delineated. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging is the one stop diagnostic modality for perianal fistulas. Acquisition of axial (Ax) T2, axial T2 FS, coronal T2 and coronal T2 FS sequences without administering intravenous contrast or jelly is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of fistulas and their complications.

The use of seton as a bridge to definitive ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure for fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: There is still controversy over the usefulness of seton placement prior to the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) surgery in the management of anal fistula. Objective: To evaluate the impact of preoperative seton placement on the outcomes of LIFT surgery for the management of fistula-in-ano. Design: systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources: A search was performed on the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. Study Selection: Original studies without language restriction reporting the primary healing rates with and without seton placement as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery were included. Intervention: The intervention assessed was the LIFT with and without prior seton placement. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome was defined as the primary healing rate with and without the use of seton as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery. Results: Ten studiesmet the criteria for systematic review, all retrospective,with a pooled study population of 772 patients. There were no significant differences in the percentages of recurrence between patients with and without seton placement (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-1.43: p=0.35). The I2 value was 9%, which shows the homogeneity of the results among the analyzed studies. The 10 included studies demonstrated a weighted average overall recurrence of 38% (interquartile range [IQR] 27-42.7%), recurrence with the use of setonwas 40%(IQR26.6-51.2%), and without its use, the recurrence rate was 51.3% (IQR 31.3-51.3%) Limitations: The levels of evidence found in the available literature were relatively fair, as indicated after qualitative evaluation using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) evidence levels. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the placement of seton as a bridge treatment prior to LIFT surgery does not significantly improve long-term anal fistula healing outcomes. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract surgery can be performed safely and effectively with no previous seton placement. International prospective register of systematic reviews-PROSPERO registration number: CDR42020149173. (AU)

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)

Avaliação do tratamento recorrente de fístulas anais com plasma rico em plaquetas / Assessment of recurrent anal fistulas treatment with platelet-rich plasma

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of recurrent anal fistulas can lead to numerous complications, including fecal incontinence. Therefore, sphincter preserving techniques are gaining more popularity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the patients with recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas. METHODS: A cohort of 18 patients with anal fistulas was enrolled into a preliminary and prospective trial. They were divided into two groups consisting of eight and ten patients respectively. PRP was injected locally in all patients, however in the group II it was applied after 7 days drainage of fistulas with polyurethane foam or negative pressure wound therapy. On average, three doses of PRP were administered, but with the opportunity to double the number of applications if it was clinically justified. The patients were evaluated in an out-patient department after fortnight and then in 1, 6, and 12 months following the last PRP application. RESULTS: Anal fistulas were closed in 4 (50%) patients from the group I and in 7 (70%) patients form the group II. Although, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant, PRP therapy should be preceded with fistulous tract drainage in all patients. Summarizing, that successful result was achieved in 11 (60%) patients from the entire group of 18 participants. CONCLUSION: The rate of recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas closure reaching 60%, after topical treatment with PRP, exceeds the results of other sphincter-saving methods of treatment. Therefore, it might become a novel method of anal fistulas therapy.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O tratamento cirúrgico de fístulas anais recorrentes pode levar a inúmeras complicações, incluindo incontinência fecal. Portanto, as técnicas de preservação do esfíncter estão ganhando mais popularidade. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da terapia de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) nos pacientes com fístulas anais criptoglandulares recorrentes. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte de 18 pacientes com fístulas anais foi inscrita em ensaio preliminar e prospectivo. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos compostos por 8 e 10 pacientes, respectivamente. PRP foi injetado localmente em todos os pacientes, porém no grupo II foi aplicado espuma de poliuretano ou terapia de feridas por pressão negativa após 7 dias de drenagem de fístulas. Em média, foram administradas três doses de PRP, mas com a oportunidade de dobrar o número de aplicações se fosse clinicamente justificado. Os pacientes foram avaliados em ambulatório após quinze dias e depois em 1, 6 e 12 meses após a última aplicação do PRP. RESULTADOS: As fístulas anais foram fechadas em 4 (50%) pacientes do grupo I e em 7 (70%) pacientes do grupo II. Embora a diferença entre ambos os grupos não tenha sido estatisticamente significante, a terapia PRP deve ser precedida de drenagem do trato fístulo em todos os pacientes. Resumindo, esse resultado bem-sucedido foi alcançado em 11 (60%) pacientes de todo o grupo de 18 participantes. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de fechamento recorrente de fístulas anais criptoglandulares chegando a 60%, após tratamento tópico com PRP, excede os resultados de outros métodos de tratamento que preservam o esfíncter. Portanto, pode se tornar um novo método de terapia das fístulas anais.