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)

Effect of incision and thread-drawing selective suture in the treatment of high complex anal fistula and its influence on anal function and complications / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of open suture and selective suture in patients with high complexity anal fistula and its effect on anal function and complications.Methods:Prospectively selected 174 patients with high complex anal fistula who were hospitalized in the Anorectal Surgery Department of the Second People′s Hospital of Yibin City from December 2018 to December 2021 as the study subjects, including 138 males and 36 females, aged from 26 to 45 years, with an average of (35.20 ± 8.86) years. According to the admission order of patients, grouped them into single and double numbers, with single numbers being the control group ( n=87) and double numbers being the observation group ( n=87). The control group was treated with traditional incision and thread hanging therapy, while the observation group was treated with selective suture through incision and thread hanging therapy. Compared the surgical time, blood loss, surgical cost, wound healing time, and anal function at 6 months after surgery between the two groups of patients. Compared the treatment effects of two groups of patients at 6 months after surgery. Compared the postoperative complications within 6 months and recurrence within 1 year between the two groups. The measurement data subject to normal distribution were expressed by mean ± standard deviation( ± s). The two groups were compared by independent sample t test, and the count data were compared by Chi-square test. Rank sum test was used for comparison of hierarchical data. Results:The surgical time in the observation group was higher than that in the control group [(44.30 ± 8.11) min vs (42.18 ± 7.25) min, ( t=-2.44, P<0.05], and the surgical cost was higher than that in the control group [(1184.81 ± 372.68) yuan vs (835.28 ± 320.03) yuan, t=-8.75, P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss data between the two groups [(19.57 ± 6.07) mL vs (18.35 ± 5.25) mL, t=-1.88, P>0.05]. The length of wound healing time in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [(24.18 ± 4.35) d vs (29.35 ± 5.08) d, t=11.09, P<0.001]. The anal function score of the observation group at 6 months after surgery was lower than that of the control group [(4.80 ± 1.21) score vs (6.71 ± 1.35) score, t=14.72, P<0.001]. All patients did not experience any loss of follow-up. In the comparison of treatment effects 6 months after surgery, the observation group had a better efficacy rating than control group ( Z=3.86, P<0.001). At 6 months after surgery, the incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [2.30% (2/87) vs 10.34% (9/87), χ2=4.76, P<0.05]. One year after surgery, the recurrence rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group [2.30% (2/87) vs 10.34% (9/87), χ2=4.76, P<0.05]. Conclusion:The application of incision and thread-drawing selective suture in the treatment of patients with high complex anal fistula is beneficial to the treatment effect of patients, reduces postoperative complications, and protects the anal function of patients, with good use value.

Diagnostic value of MRI retention enema cannula enhanced scanning in high complex anal fistula / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of MRI retention enema cannula enhanced scanning in the high complex anal fistula.Methods:The clinical data of 60 anal fistula patients underwent surgery treatment from May 2020 to May 2022 in Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent MRI plain scanning and enhanced scanning before operation. Compared with the surgical results, the difference between MRI plain scanning and enhanced scanning in the diagnosis of high complex anal fistula was compared.Results:All of the 60 patients successfully completed surgical treatment, and 58 cases internal orifices, 55 cases complex anal fistulas and 53 cases high anal fistulas were found intraoperatively. MRI plain scanning results showed 32 cases internal orifices, 46 cases complex anal fistulas and 42 cases high anal fistulas were found. MRI enhanced scanning results showed 54 cases internal orifices, 53 cases complex anal fistulas and 50 cases high anal fistulas were found. Based on surgical results, the coincidence rates of internal orifice, complex anal fistula and high anal fistula in MRI enhanced scanning were significantly higher than those in MRI plain scanning: 93.10% (54/58) vs. 55.17% (32/58), 96.36% (53/55) vs. 83.64% (46/55) and 94.34% (50/53) vs. 79.25% (42/53), and there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 21.76, 4.95 and 5.27; P<0.01 or <0.05). Conclusions:The MRI retention enema cannula enhanced scanning has obvious advantages in the diagnosis of high complex anal fistula, which provides scientific reference value for the diagnosis and operation of high complex anal fistula in clinic.

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.

Tratamiento de fístula anal compleja asistida por video. Resultados a largo plazo / Treatment of complex anal fistula assisted by video. Long term results

Introducción: El tratamiento de las fístulas perianales sigue en la actualidad siendo controvertido, ya que aún no existe una técnica con baja tasa de recidiva, baja morbilidad y escasa o nula alteración de la continencia. Dentro de las técnicas "sphincter sparing", el tratamiento video asistido del trayecto fistuloso (VAAFT) aparece como una técnica con resultados promisorios. Objetivos: Evaluar la experiencia de 25 pacientes con fístulas perianales tratados con VAAFT. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional. Pacientes portadores de fístulas criptoglandulares. Anatómicamente 15 eran transesfintéricas altas, 3 transesfintericas bajas y 7 interesfintéricas altas. Todos los pacientes tenían trayectos crónicos (más de un año de evolución). 20 pacientes ya tenían realizadas cirugías previas de su fístula, todos con sedal cortante. Cuatro de estos pacientes presentaban incontinencia a gases. Resultados: Entre Mayo 2016 y Abril 2018, se operaron 25 pacientes, 20 del sexo masculino y 5 del sexo femenino. A todos ellos se les realizó en el preoperatorio ecografía endoanal con traductor de 360° y manometría ano-rectal. A todos se les realizó interrogatorio sobre el estado de su continencia. En todos los pacientes se realizó el procedimiento según técnica descripta por Meinero con alguna modificación. En 3 pacientes no se logró identificar el orificio interno. En 4 pacientes el cierre del mismo se hizo con surget de PDS, en 3 se realizó algún tipo de colgajo (mucoso, locking flap) y en 15 pacientes se utilizó suturas mecánicas lineales de 45 mm. En 3 pacientes se agregó al VAAFT procedimiento LIFT. Tres pacientes tuvieron recidiva y 5 recurrencia. Se tomó como recurrencia a la supuración por orificio externo y/o ano más allá del cuarto mes posoperatorio, mientras que se clasificó como recidiva a aquellos pacientes que tuvieron más de seis meses sin supuración luego del cierre del orificio externo y posteriormente volvieron a supurar. No se perdió ningún paciente en el seguimiento postoperatorio. No se identificaron alteraciones de la continencia posteriores al tratamiento ni empeoramiento de aquellos que tenían incontinencia a gases. Las complicaciones fueron 4 abscesos en la zona del trayecto fistuloso que drenaron espontáneamente y 1 edema perineal por infiltración con glicina por ruptura del trayecto fístuloso. Conclusión: El procedimiento VAAFT demostró ser una técnica segura con las ventajas de ser mínimamente invasiva y la única bajo visión directa. (AU)

Introduction: The treatment of perianal fistulas is still controversial. Actually, there is no surgical technique with low recurrence rate, low morbidity and no alteration of continence. Between the "sphincter sparing techniques", the Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) appears as a technique with promising results. Objectives: Evaluate the experience of 25 patients with perianal fistulas treated with VAAFT. Methods: observational retrospective study. Patients with cryptoglandular fistulas. Anatomically 15 were high transphincteric fistulas, 3 low transphincteric fistulas and seven high intersphincteric. 20 of them had previous surgeries with cutting seton. Results: Between May 2016 and April 2018, 25 patients with fistula -in-ano were operated with VAAFT, 20 male and 5 female. Everyone underwent 360° endorectal ultrasound and rectal manometry before the procedure, wich was performed according to the technique describe by Meinero with some modifications. The closure of the internal orifice was performed with PDS surget in 4 cases, whereas 3 patients needed a mucosal advance flap and in 15 cases a 45 mm stapler was used. In 3 patients the internal orifice was not identified. The follow-up was for 2 years. The complications were four abscesses in the area of the fistulous tract, that drained spontaneously and one perineal edema due to infiltration with glycine due to rupture of the fistulous tract. Conclusion: The VAAFT procedure proved to be a safe technique with the advantages of the minimally-invasive techniques. Besides is the only technique under direct vision. (AU)

Effects of Sodium Chloride Injection and Glycerine Enema on Postoperative Defecation in Patients with Com-plex Anal Fistula / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Sodium chloride injection and Glycerine enema on the relief of postoperative defecation pain,edema around wound and incision in patients with complex anal fistula. METHODS:100 patients with complex anal fistula were selected and divided into group A(33 cases),B(33 cases)and C(34 cases)according to random number table. Group A was given Sodium chloride injection 300-500 ml,water bath heated to 35-37℃,into the rectum via enema bag before defecation,and defecated after controlling defecation for 5-10 min. Group B was given Glycerine enema 110 ml into the rectum,and defecated after controlling defecation for 5-10 min. Group C could defecated directly when they felt obvious defecation desire. VAS score of initial defe-cation,defecation frequence and time within 24 h after initial defecation,edema around wound and incision within a week after initial defecation were observed in 3 groups as well as the occurrence of ADR. RESULTS:VAS score of initial defecation,defecation fre-quence and time,edema around wound and incision in group A and B were significantly lower/shorter than in group C,with statistical significance(P0.05). No obvious ADR was found in group A and B during treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Both Sodium chloride injection and Glycerine enema can relieve postoperative defecation pain in patients with complex anal fistula,and reduce edema around wound and incision with good safety. The two drugs should be selected according to patient’s condition.

Clinical Observation of Self-prescribed Zuoyu No. 2 in the Treatment of Anal Eczema after Complex Anal Fistula Operation / 中国药师

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of self-prescribed Zuoyu No. 2 (ZY2) in the treatment of anal eczema after complex anal fistula operation. Methods: Totally 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups, the patients in the treatment group were given ZY2 combined with the conventional wound dressing treatment after defecation everyday, while the patients in the con-trol group were treated with washing infection area with warm water followed by applying triamcinolone acetonide and econazole creams on the lesion or itching skin combined with the conventional wound dressing after defecation everyday. Results:The efficiency rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (82. 0% vs 60. 0%, P<0. 05), the total effective rate in the treatment group was also significantly higher than that in the control group (100% vs 90. 0%, P<0. 05). The anal pruritus disappearance time and the skin lesion recovery time in the treatment group were better than those in the control group(P<0. 05). Conclusion:ZY2 has a good clinical curative efficacy in the treatment of anal eczema after complex anal fistula operation with improvement of clinical symp-toms, which is worthy of promoted application.

Clinical study of modified seton treatment on high anal fistulas by multicenter, randomized,single blind method / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of standardized seton therapy combined with the counterparts drainage improved surgical approach on the treatment of high anal fistula,and to form the technical specifications and application programs.Methods 120 patients of high anal fistula (simple and complex) from three centers were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,60 cases in each group.SPSS 16.0 was used to make a statistical analysis on actual enrolled patients,fall off and excluded patients.Demographics,distribution of cases and baseline data were also compared between the two groups to determine the efficacy and safety.The treatment group was treated with a modified hanging line with their counterpart drainage; while the control group was treated with traditional low cut high hanging line method.The length of healing time,hung off times,healing time,postoperative pain,anal and manometry were observed in both groups.Results Among 120 cases,118 eases were effective and 2 eases excluded off Healing time of the treatment group (29.87±3.93)d was less than the control group(35.32±8.61)d,P＜0.05.Hang off time of the treatment group (13.73±3.15)d was less than the control group (14.98±6.84) d,P＜0.05.Although the postoperative pain scores of the treatment group was lower than the control group,but with not statistical significance.Anal manometry was within the normal range,and anal function was not affected.Conclusion The quantitative hung up with the improved counterparts drainage surgical methods were safe and effective in the treatment of high anal fistula.

Surgery for a Complex Anal Fistula

PURPOSE: Because of the complexity and un-expectation of the courses and clinical features for the complex anal fistula, the management of it presents a difficult surgical challenge. Various techniques have been used, such as seton placement, advancement flap closure, muscle filling procedure, and fibrin glue injection. The classic lay-open and seton placement may distort the anal anatomy and result in poor functional outcomes, such as incontinence. Also, advancement flap techniques are associated with relatively high recurrence rates. This study assesses the results of surgery for a complex anal fistula, as performed in Hangun Hospital, Busan. Operative procedures were comprised of two or more separate procedures, including 1) a total fistulectomy, 2) muscle reconstruction, sometimes muscle transposition, 3) direct closure of the primary opening without making a mucosal advancement flap, and 4) a drainage procedure and/or other minor procedure. METHODS: Surgical procedures were performed on 22 patients (18 males) with a complex anal fistula between July 2004 and December 2004. The clinical and the manometric results were analyzed with respect to postoperative recurrence, delayed wound healing, and postoperative fecal incontinence. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 22 patients were completely healed without any sequelae. Treatment failure was encountered in one patient two months postoperatively, when an additional fistulotomy was performed to achieve a cure. There were two patients displaying delayed healing, who were successfully treated by curettage. No patient complained of postoperative fecal incontinence in either the clinical examination on the manometric study (mean resting pressure, 75.5+/-3.5 mmHg; maximal squeeze pressure, 175.7+/-10.3 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: This short- term study suggests that a direct closure of the internal opening after a total fistulectomy can be an alternative surgical option for the treatment of a complex anal fistula.

The Clinical Effect of Sphincter-Preserving Modified Loose Seton Technique in Complex Anal Fistula

PURPOSE: The cutting seton technique is a world-wide operative method in management of a complex anal fistula. However it has still some risks of anal deformity and fecal incontinence because of sphincter injury, and also required two-stage operation under the anesthesia. We have modified this conventional method into sphincter-preserving technique using the seton and evaluated the clinical effect of patients with complex anal fistula. METHODS: The operative steps consisted of excision of the fistular tract without cutting the sphincter, and insertion of a non-absorbable suture material as a seton around the sphincter. When enough fibro-granulated tissues grew and pus discharge decreased markedly, the seton was just cut out from the wound without anesthesia at the outpatient basis. The clinical effect following treatment by using this method was assessed retrospectively in 81 patients, including 33 recurrent cases, who were treated during the four and a half-year period. RESULTS: The average follow-up period to remove the seton and to eradicate the fistula was 68.9+/-39.5 and 82.1+/-45.6 days, respectively. No patients experienced fecal incontinence after surgery. The fistula was healed without recurrence in 78 patients (96.3%), preserving integrity of the sphincter. Recurrence developed in 3 patients who had two suprasphincteric fistulas and one transsphincteric fistula with supralevator abscess. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this method is good for treating complex anal fistulas without two-stage operation because it has some advantages such as a lower recurrence, a lower functional impairment, and less anal deformity.