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)

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.

Urorectal fistula repair using different approaches: operative results and quality of life issues

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of urorectal fistula (URF) repair using different approaches and the clinical factor determinant of success, and also the morbidity associated to the procedure and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in male survivors of pelvic malignancies. Material and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 39 patients with URF primarily intervened in three institutions using different surgical approaches. Success was defined as effective fistula closure. Variables evaluated included demographics, previous treatments, surgical approach, ancillary surgeries, complications and HRQoL by using a standardized non-validated specific questionnaire. Median follow-up from surgery to interview was 55 months (interquartile range 49, range 4-112). Factors determinant of success were investigated using logistic regression. Safety of the procedure was evaluated by Clavien-Dindo scale. Deterioration of continence and erectile function and other HRQoL issues were evaluated. Results: Prostate cancer treatment was the predominant etiology. The success rate for fistula repair was 89.5%. The surgical approach was not related to failed repair (p=0.35) or complications (p=0.29). Factors associated with failure were complications (p=0.025), radiotherapy (p=0.03), fistula location (p=0.04) and fistula size (p=0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed fistula size was the only independent determinant of failure (OR 6.904, 1.01-47.75). Complications occurred in 46.2% and severe complications in 12.8%. The mortality related to the procedure was 2.6%. Urinary incontinence was present before repair in 26.3% and erectile dysfunction in 89.5%. Fistula repair caused de novo urinary incontinence in 7.9% and deterioration of erectile status in 44.7%. Globally 79% were satisfied after repair and only 7.9% rated HRQoL as unhappy. Trans-sphincteric approach was related to less deterioration of erectile function (p=0.003), and higher perceived satisfaction in QoL (p=0.04). Conclusions: The surgical approach elected to correct URF is not determinant of success nor of complications. Fistula size appears as independent determinant for failure. Transsphincteric approach could be advantageous over other procedures regarding HRQoL issues.

Recidiva de fístulas perianales post quirúrgicas en la Segunda Cátedra de Clínica Quirúrgica, Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo año 2008-2019 / Recurrence of post-surgical perianal fistulas in the II General Surgery Service of Clinica´s Hospital, San Lorenzo year 2008-2019

Una Fístula Anal es la comunicación anormal entre el conducto anorrectal y la piel. El objetivo central en el tratamiento de la fístula anal es eliminar la fístula y los síntomas, prevenir la recurrencia y preservar la función del esfínter anal. El único tratamiento curativo para las fístulas anales criptogénicas es la cirugía. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo con componentes analíticos, de corte transversal, con un muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos en pacientes operados de fístulas anales por el Servicio de Coloproctología en la II Cátedra de Clínica Quirúrgica del Hospital de Clínicas San Lorenzo (2008-2019). De un total de 112 pacientes, no existió relación estadísticamente significativa entre el grado de obesidad, las comorbilidades, los distintos síntomas, la complejidad de la fístula ni la región comprometida y la recidiva postquirúrgica. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue la fistulotomía en el 75,9% de los casos. Las recidivas se vieron en 6.25% de los pacientes. En nuestra serie el riesgo de obtener una recidiva era 16 veces mayor en las fístulas complejas con relación a las simples (RR = 15,9 para p=0,001) y existió una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el tipo de cirugía realizada y el porcentaje de recidiva post quirúrgica. Las fístulas anales son una entidad nosológica de relevancia, que crea molestias hasta problemas en el desenvolvimiento tanto laboral como social por lo cual debe ser motivo de estudio exhaustivo en nuestro hospital como lo es en el mundo.

An Anal Fistula is an abnormal communication between the anorectal duct and the skin. The central goal of its treating is to eliminate the fistula and symptoms, prevent recurrence, and preserve anal sphincter function. The only curative treatment for cryptogenic anal fistulas is surgery. An observational, descriptive study was carried out with analytical components, cross-sectional, with a non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases in patients operated on for anal fistulas by the Coloproctology Service in the II Surgery Department of Clinica´s Hospital of San Lorenzo (2008- 2019). Out of a total of 112 patients, there was no statistically significant relationship between the degree of obesity, comorbidities, different symptoms, the complexity of the fistula or the anal region involved, and the postoperative recurrence. The most used surgical technique was fistulotomy in 75.9% of the cases. Recurrences were seen in 6.25% of the patients. In our series, the risk of obtaining a recurrence was 16 times greater in complex fistulas than in simple ones (RR = 15.9 for p = 0.001) and there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of surgery performed and the percentage of postoperative recurrence. Anal fistulas are a relevant nosological entity, which creates discomfort in both work and social development, which is why it should be the subject of exhaustive study in our hospital as it is in the world.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on fistula-in-ano treatment / Eficácia do laser de baixa potência no tratamento das fístulas perianais

ABSTRACT Background: Treating anal fistulae is still a great challenge due to the possibility of fecal incontinence after surgery and that the use of laser has been gaining space in medicine, including as an inducing method of healing. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy on fistula-in-ano treatment in rats. Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250-300g were used, which were subjected to the anal fistula induction procedure and after 30 days were distributed into two groups: control group (CG, n=5) and laser group (LG, n=10) observed for another 30 days. In the CG no treatment was performed and, in the LG, low-level laser therapy was applied in fistulous tracts daily. The closure of the fistulous tract, the area of the remaining tract, the inflammatory infiltrate and vascular congestion were evaluated. Results: There was no complete closure of the tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was 847.2 µm2 in the CG and 248.5 µm2 in the LG (p=0.001). The mean inflammatory infiltrate score was 2.4 in the CG and 1.3 in the LG (p=0.0285), while in the evaluation of vascular congestion, 1.6 was observed in the CG and 0.6 in the LG (p=0.031). Conclusions: Low-level laser therapy was able to reduce the area of the fistulous tracts as well as decrease the inflammatory process and local vascular congestion.

RESUMO Racional: Tratamento de fístulas anais ainda é grande desafio devido à possibilidade de incontinência fecal pós-operatória; o uso do laser vem ganhando espaço na medicina, inclusive como método indutor de cicatrização. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da terapia a laser de baixa potência no tratamento de fístula perianal em ratos. Métodos: Foram utilizados 15 ratos Wistar machos com peso aproximado de 250-300 g, os quais foram submetidos à indução da fístula anal e após 30 dias foram distribuídos em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC, n=5) e grupo laser (GL, n=10) observado por mais 30 dias. No GC nenhum tratamento foi realizado e no LG laserterapia de baixa intensidade foi aplicada nos trajetos fistulosos diariamente. Foram avaliados o fechamento do trajeto fistuloso, a área do trajeto remanescente, o infiltrado inflamatório e a congestão vascular. Resultados: Não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A área média do trajeto remanescente foi de 847,2µm2 no GC e 248,5µm2 no GL (p=0,001). O escore médio do infiltrado inflamatório foi de 2,4 no GC e 1,3 no GL (p=0,0285), enquanto na avaliação da congestão vascular foi observado 1,6 no GC e 0,6 no GL (p=0,031). Conclusões: A terapia a laser de baixa potência foi capaz de reduzir a área dos trajetos fistulosos, bem como diminuir o processo inflamatório e a congestão vascular local.

Electroacupuncture at / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at @*METHODS@#The data of 318 patients undergoing anal fistula surgery were analyzed retrospectively. In accordance with whether accepted the combined treatment with EA at bilateral @*RESULTS@#For VAS score, there was an interaction between therapeutic method and treatment duration (@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at

Manejo de la fístula anorrectal compleja: LIFT, colgajo de avance y otras técnicas / Management of complex anorectal fistula: LIFT, endorectal advancement flap and others techniques

Resumen Las fístulas anorrectales complejas son un desafío para el coloproctólogo. Son una patología frecuente que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La patogénesis aún no está clara, estarían involucradas citoquinas y el proceso de transición de epitelio a mesénquima. El gold standard para su estudio es la resonancia nuclear magnética, su uso por sí mismo disminuye la recurrencia. El objetivo del tratamiento es lograr la curación sin afectar la función del esfínter evitando las recidivas. Existen múltiples técnicas, siendo la de mayor aceptación la ligadura interesfinteriana del trayecto fistuloso, con tasa de curación sobre el 70%, con mínimo impacto en continencia. Esta revisión incluye otras técnicas como el colgajo endorrectal de avance, uso de sellante, permacol, células madres, Anal fistula plug, Video asisted anal fistula treatment, Over the scope clip y fistula laser closure.

Complex anal fistula are a challenge for colorectal surgeons. It is a common pathology in population. Pathogenesis is still unclear, it would be involved citokines and the process of epitelial to eesenchymal transition. The gold standard for study is MRI, its use reduces recurrences. The goal of treatment is heal the fistula without damaging the function of the sphincter and avoid recurrences. There are multiple techniques, the most accepted is ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract with cure rate over 70%, with minimal impact in continence. This review includes other techniques like rectal advancement flap, fibrin glue, permacol, stem cells, anal fistula plug, video asisted anal fistula treatment, over the scope clip and fistula laser closure.

Anal abscess microbiology as an anal fistula predictor / Microbiologia de abscesso anal como preditivo de fístula anal

ABSTRACT In order to determine the microbiology of anal abscess as a predictor of anal fistulas in patients who attended the external consultation of the Coloproctology unit of the Dr. Antonio María Pineda University Central Hospital, a prospective, descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted from September 2018 to July 2019. In this study, the population consisted of patients with a diagnosis of anal abscess, without associated comorbidities or contraindications for surgery, who agreed to be included in the study. A non-probabilistic, intentional sample consisting of 42 patients was determined. An appointment-based study protocol was applied by outpatient for patients who met the inclusion criteria applied, to perform due medical history through anamnesis, physical examination and culture taking of suppuration from the anal abscess to subsequently establish medical and surgical behavior thereof. The results were expressed in absolute numbers and percentages, a prevalence of ischiorectal abscesses was observed, followed by deep post-anal space abscesses. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated in 100% of the sample. In all fistulized patients, E. Coli was isolated as a predominant germ.

RESUMO Um estudo prospectivo, descritivo e longitudinal foi realizado de setembro de 2018 a Julho 2019 para determinar a microbiologia do abscesso anal como preditivo de fístulas anais em pacientes que compareceram à consulta externa da unidade de Coloproctologia do Hospital Central da Universidade Dr. Antonio María Pineda. Neste estudo, a população foi composta por pacientes com diagnóstico de abscesso anal, sem comorbidades ou contraindicações associadas à cirurgia, que concordaram em participar do estudo. Uma amostra intencional não probabilística, composta por 42 pacientes foi determinada. Um protocolo de estudo com base na consulta em regime ambulatorial foi aplicado aos pacientes que atenderam os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos, para realizar a anamnese, o exame físico e a devida cultura da supuração do abscesso anal para posteriormente estabelecer o comportamento médico e cirúrgico. Os resultados foram expressos em números absolutos e porcentagens, observando-se a prevalência de abscessos isquiorretais, seguidos por abscessos profundos no espaço pós-anal. Bactérias anaeróbias foram isoladas em 100% das amostras. Em todos os pacientes com fístulas, E. Coli foi isolada como um germe predominante.