Determinar la precisión diagnóstica de la ecografía tridimensional en casos de fístula perianal en comparación con los hallazgos intraoperatorios durante el procedimiento quirúrgico / Assessment of accuracy of three dimensional endo-anal ultrasound in diagnosis of perianal fistula in comparison to operative findings

Aim : To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three dimensional ultrasound in cases of perianal fistula compared to intra-operative findings during surgical procedure. Background: Perianal fistulae can be either low type (simple) or high type (complex) and surgical treatment options differ accordingly. Preoperative three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) is a promising diagnostic technique that can effectively assist in choosing the most suitable treatment option for patients with anal fistula by providing the surgeon with accurate outlining of the fistula. Methods: The study is a cross sectional comparative study conducted at Al-Sadr Medical City during the period from September 2018 through September 2019, and included cases with fistula in ano, which were subjected to 3-D ultrasound, then followed up during surgery to obtain the intra-operative findings of the fistula. Results: The study included (78) patients whom their age ranged from (18-65) years. Majority of cases were males (79.49%). For assessing the concordance between 3D-EAUS and the intraoperative findings the Kappa coefficient for the internal opening was 0.9825 (P-value < 0.001), for the external opening was 0.9853 (P-value < 0.00), For the course of primary tract, Kappa = 0.9754 (P-value < 0.001) and for the course of the extension tract was 0.9761 with a P-value of < 0.001. Conclusions: Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound is an effective and dependable tool for delineation the course of a perianal fistula.

Fístula perianal compleja: Tratamiento con plasma rico en plaquetas / Complex perianal fistula: Treatment with platelet-rich plasma

Paciente masculino con diagnóstico de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (colitis ulcerosa), corticodependiente, que consulta en nuestro servicio por fístula perianal compleja con extenso compromiso inflamatorio crónico de la región perianal, el cual fue tratado exitosamente con la aplicación local de plasma rico en plaquetas como única terapéutica. Se presentan los beneficios que se podrían obtener mediante la aplicación de plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo en el tratamiento de este tipo de fístulas. De ese modo se evitan los procedimientos quirúrgicos en un terreno inflamatorio crónico que implican altas tasas de complicaciones y recurrencia, afectando la calidad de vida.

A male patient with a diagnosis of steroid dependent inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) sought medical care due to complex perianal fistula with extended chronic inflammation of the perianal region that was successfully treated with platelet-rich plasma as a single therapy. The benefits of autologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of this type of fistulas are presented. In this way, there is no need to perform surgery in a chronic inflammatory territory with high rate of complications and recurrence affecting patients' quality of life.

Experiencia inicial en la adaptación del instrumental del tratamiento video asistido modificado de las fistulas perianales complejas (VAMAFT) / Initial experience in the adaptation of the instruments of the modified assisted video treatment of complex perianal fistulas (VAMAFT)

Introducción: Las fístulas perianales tienen dos problemas fundamentales, la tasa de recurrencia y de incontinencia fecal postoperatoria, complicaciones que varían en frecuencia dependiendo de varios factores como el tipo de fistula, la técnica quirúrgica usada y la experiencia del cirujano. Debido a esto existen técnicas quirúrgicas no conservadoras y conservadoras de esfínteres donde se incluye el tratamiento video asistido que aparece desde el año 2006 y en la cual se utiliza un sistema de video endoscopio sofisticado y de alto valor económico el cual hemos adaptado a nuestro medio. Pacientes y método: De septiembre del 2015 al 2017 en la Unidad de Coloproctología del Hospital Domingo Luciani IVSS se realizó un estudio prospectivo experimental, donde se incluyeron 18 pacientes con fístulas perianales complejas diagnosticadas previamente con Ecofistulografía 3D y los cuales se operaron con un sistema adaptado usando citoscopio pediátrico de 4 mm y energía láser. Se evaluaron parámetros referentes a la técnica así como la tasa de éxito y riesgo de incontinencia. Resultados: Tiempo quirúrgico de 40 a 80 minutos, con tasa de éxito de 89%, recidiva en 2 pacientes, con tiempo de seguimiento entre 12 a 36 meses y sin cambios en la escala de incontinencia pre y post quirúrgica. Conclusión: El tratamiento video asistido modificado para fistulas anales (VAMAFT) es una técnica innovadora y factible de realizar al adaptar algunos instrumentos, con una tasa de éxito adecuada y sin riesgo de incontinencia, pero más trabajos aleatorizados con mayor números de pacientes deben ser realizados.

Introduction: Anal fistulas have two basic problems, rate of recurrence and postoperative anal incontinence. These complications vary according to several factors such as type of anal fistula, surgical technique and the surgeon´s experience. For each cases there are different surgical techniques with and without conservation of anal sphincters like conservative video assisted anal fistula treatment, described in 2006, this technique uses a sophisticated and expensive endoscope system but that we modified to use in our hospitals. Patients and method: Between September 2015 to 2017 in the Unit of Coloproctology of Domingo Luciani Hospital, was perfomed a prospective and experimental trial in 18 patients with anal complex fistulas previously diagnosed using tridimensional anal ultrasound and operated with a modified system consisting of pediatric cystoscope of 4 mm and laser energy. Some parameters were evaluated including surgical technique, recurrence and anal incontinence rate. Results: Surgical times were between 40 to 80 minutes, success rate of 89%, recurrence in two patients with follow up of 12 to 36 months and no changes in pre and post surgical anal incontinence scale. Conclusion: Video assited modified anal fistula treatment (VAMAFT) is an innovative and feasible surgical technique to do adapting some instruments, with suitable success rate and without anal incontinence risk but many randomized research with more patients have to be perfomed.

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of 3-D endoanal ultrasound in perianal fistula in comparison with intraoperative findings / Avaliação da precisão diagnóstica da USE 3D endoanal em casos de fistula perianal, em comparação com os achados cirúrgicos

ABSTRACT Objective: Perianal fistula is a common and debilitating disease. The definite treatment is surgery, identifying of primary and secondary tract, internal opening of fistula has important role in planning of surgical techniques. This study's goal was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 3-D ultrasound in perianal fistula in comparison with intraoperative findings. Materials and methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. Adult patients (18-85 years old) with anal fistula have been selected. 3-D EUS was done for all patients by gastroenterologist. Then surgery was done. Check lists filled by endoscopist and surgeon was studied and data analysis was done. Results: The study examined 76 patients, in according to results for kappa coefficient there was a perfect agreement between 3-D ultrasound results and surgery in internal opening that was 96% (p < 0.001) and concordance was 0.974. In extension tract the agreement was 0.973 and concordance was 0.987 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was perfect agreement between 3-D ultrasound and surgical findings in internal opening, primary tract and trunk expansion. 3-D ultrasound shows a high diagnostic accuracy when compared with surgery to assessment of perianal fistula before surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: A fistula perianal é doença comum e debilitante. O tratamento definitivo é cirúrgico. A identificação dos tratos primário e secundário e de abertura interna da fístula desempenha papel importante no planejamento das técnicas cirúrgicas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a precisão diagnóstica da USE 3D em casos de fístula perianal, em comparação com os achados cirúrgicos. Materiais e métodos: Este é um estudo transversal. Foram selecionados pacientes adultos (18-85 anos) com fístula anal. Todos os pacientes foram examinados por USE 3D realizada por um gastroenterologista. Em seguida, procedeu-se à cirurgia. O endoscopista e o cirurgião estudaram as listas de verificação, com análise dos dados. Resultados: Nesse estudo foram examinados 76 pacientes. De acordo com os resultados para o coeficiente kappa, foi observada perfeita concordância entre os resultados da USE 3D e cirurgia para IO, de 96% (p < 0,001), com concordância de 0,974. Na extensão do trato a concordância foi 0,973 e concordância de 0,987 (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Foi observada concordância perfeita entre USE 3D e os achados cirúrgicos em abertura interna, trato primário e expansão do tronco. USE 3D demonstra elevada precisão diagnóstica, quando comparada com a cirurgia, para avaliação da fístula perianal antes da operação.

Abscesos y fístulas perianales en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: manejo actualizado / Fistulas and perianal abscess in inflammatory bowel disease: current approach

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the intestinal bowel in a transmural way presenting with fistulizing phenotypes with abnormal communication between two epithelial surfaces. In perianal Crohn's disease, there are fistulizing tracts between the anal canal and perianal skin that can complicate with abscess formation. Symptoms include pain, perianal discharge and fluctuating lesions, requiring combined clinical and surgical management. The disease is difficult to treat and is associated with significant reduction in quality of life, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for the management of these patients. The following review describes clinical concepts of perianal Crohn's disease, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment.

La enfermedad de Crohn es una enfermedad inflamatoria del tubo digestivo con compromiso transmural de la pared que puede manifestarse con fenotipos fistulizantes mediante el desarrollo de comunicaciones anormales entre dos superficies epiteliales. En el caso de la enfermedad de Crohn perianal se establecen trayectos fistulosos entre el epitelio del canal anal y la piel alrededor del ano, que pueden complicarse con la formación de abscesos. Clínicamente se presenta con descarga perianal, dolor y masa fluctuante requiriendo un manejo conjunto médico-quirúrgico para el tratamiento de las complicaciones, el control de las fístulas y el compromiso luminal asociado. Es necesario un enfoque multidisciplinario dado que es una enfermedad de difícil manejo que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En la siguiente revisión se exponen conceptos acerca de la enfermedad de Crohn fistulizante perianal y sus complicaciones, con énfasis en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

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

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

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

Assessment of fistulectomy combined with sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complicated anal fistula / Avaliação de fistulectomia combinada com esfincteroplastia no tratamento de fístula anal complicada

Abstract Introduction The ideal method of treating the complex anal fistula is to eradicate the sepsis and preserve the anal sphincter; since there is no definite consensus on the surgical method of treating it. Recent studies show that fistulectomy and immediate sphincteroplasy are a safe and appropriate way to treat the fistula-in-ano. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term outcomes of fistulectmy and sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complex perianal fistula. Methods In this prospective study, we have analyzed the data of 80 patients who underwent fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty from May 2013 to May 2016. Preoperative information included physical examination, preoperative fecal incontinence evaluation and taking a complete history about underlying diseases and past related surgeries were collected. Results Of all 80 patients with complex fistula, 57.5% (46 patients) were male. 70-Patients were presented with high transsphincteric fistula (87.5%) and anterior fistula was diagnosed in 10 of them (12.5%). 9 patients (11.3%) suffered from hypertension and 43 patients (53.75%) had recurrent fistula after previous surgeries. During the follow-up period, the overall success rate was 98.8% (98.8%) and fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty failed in only one patient (failure rate: 1.3%). preoperative and post-operative scoring showed mild fecal incontinence in 8 patients (10%). We have found no significant relation between the age, gender, hypertension, previous surgery and post-operative recurrence. Conclusion Fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty is a safe surgical procedure in the treatment of anterior anal fistula in females and high transsphincteric fistulas.

Resumo Introdução o método ideal para tratar a fístula anal complexa consiste em erradicar a sepse e preservar o esfíncter anal, uma vez que não existe consenso definitivo com relação ao método cirúrgico para tratamento desse problema. Estudos recentes demonstram que a fistulectomia, seguida imediatamente pela esfincteroplastia, é procedimento seguro e apropriado no tratamento da fístula perianal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados em longo prazo da fistulectomia e da esfincteroplastia no tratamento da fístula perianal complexa. Métodos Neste estudo prospectivo analisamos os dados de 80 pacientes tratados por fistulectomia e esfíncteroplastia no período de maio de 2013 até maio de 2016. Foram coletadas as seguintes informações pré-operatórias: exame físico, avaliação pré-operatória de incontinência fecal e história completa sobre doenças subjacentes e cirurgias prévias afins. Resultados De todos os 80 pacientes com fístula complexa, 57,5% (46 pacientes) pertenciam ao gênero masculino. Setenta pacientes se apresentaram com fístula trans-esfinctérica alta (87,5%); em 10 desses pacientes (12,5%), foi diagnosticada fístula anterior. Nove pacientes (11,3%) sofriam de hipertensão (HT), tendo sido observada recorrência de fístula após cirurgias prévias em 43 pacientes (53,75%). Durante o período de seguimento, o percentual de sucesso global foi de 98,8%, e em apenas um paciente os procedimentos de fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia não obtiveram sucesso (percentual de falha: 1,3%). Os escores pré-operatórios e pós-operatórios revelaram incontinência fecal leve em 8 pacientes (10%). Não observamos nenhuma relação significativa entre idade, gênero, HT, cirurgia prévia e recorrência pós-operatória. Conclusão Fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia constituem procedimento cirúrgico seguro no tratamento de fístulas anais anteriores em mulheres e de fístulas trans-esfinctéricas altas.

Fístula anal de etiología tuberculosa. A propósito de un caso y breve revisión bibliográfica / Tubercular fistula in-ano. Report of a case and brief review

La fístula anal de etiología tuberculosa es una afección rara. Presentamos un caso en una paciente HIV (-), revisamos datos epidemiológicos y discutimos la fisiopatología, manifestaciones clínicas, nuevos desarrollos diagnósticos y brevemente su tratamiento.

Tubercular fistula in-ano is a rare condition. In addition to presenting a case in a HIV (-) patient, in this paper we review epidemiologic data, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and new developments in diagnosis and their treatment is discussed briefly.

Protocolos de encaminhamento da atenção básica para a atenção especializada: proctologia / Referral protocols of primary care for specialized care: proctology

Este material tem como objetivo orientar as equipes que atuam na AB, qualificando o processo de referenciamento de usuários para outros serviços especializados. É uma ferramenta, ao mesmo tempo, de gestão e de cuidado, pois tanto guiam as decisões dos profissionais solicitantes quanto se constitui como referência que modula as avaliações apresentadas pelos médicos reguladores.

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

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

Utilidad de la ultrasonografía 3D en el diagnóstico de fístulas y abscesos perianales / Usefulness of 3D ultrasonography in the diagnosis of perianal fistulae

Indicaciones de la ultrasonografía endoanal en tres dimensiones, y anatomía a través de la ultrasonografía endoanal con tecnología en tres dimesiones: equipo, técnica, y procesamiento de datos.

"Ley de Goodsall", ¿Mito o Realidad? / Law on Goodsall. Myth or reality?

Introducción: a fines del siglo XIX, en su libro “Rectum and Annus Diseases” David Goodsall afirmaba: “Las fístulas pueden ser descriptas como anteriores o posteriores en relación a una línea coronal trazada a través del ano. Las anteriores tendrán un trayecto radiado hacia el canal anal, las posteriores describen un trayecto curvo hacia la línea media posterior”.(1-3) Cien años después, el perfeccionamiento de técnicas de diagnóstico por imágenes nos permite poner a prueba el postulado de Goodsall a más de un siglo de emitido, para establecer si su afirmación puede contribuir o no, a la determinación de trayectos fistulosos y por ende, mejorar las tasas de éxito en la terapéutica quirúrgica. Objetivo: analizar resultados de ecografías endoanales 360º en fístulas perianales, estableciendo si sus trayectos cumplen o no, el postulado enunciado por Goodsall. Diseño: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional. Materiales y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de 285 ecografías de fístulas perianales realizadas desde 2004 al 2012. Se analizaron edad, sexo, clasificación de Parks,(4-5) orificios internos, externos, trayectos principales y accesorios, cavidad intermedia y complejidad. Se consideraron fístulas simples los tractos interesfintéricos y transesfinterianos bajos; como complejas las recidivas, los tractos transesfinterianos altos, supraesfinterianos y extraesfinterianos. Criterios de inclusión: fístulas de origen criptoglandular. Criterios de exclusión: fístulas subcutáneas, inflamatorias, malignas, específicas y/o por trauma. Resultados: se excluyeron 17 estudios. La serie se basó en 268 ecografías; 193 (72,01%) transesfinterianas, 70 (26,12%) interesfinterianas, 4 (1,49%) supraesfinterianas y 1 (0,37%) extraesfinteriana. 234 (87,76%) se correspondieron con la regla, siendo un 81,62% de los mismos fístulas simples y 18,37% complejas. De los 34 (12,68%) que no lo hicieron, un 58,82% fueron fístulas simples y 41,17%, complejas... (TRUNCADO).

Background: late in the nineteenth century, in “Rectum and Annus Diseases” David Goodsall stated that “Fistulas can be described as anterior or posterior related to a line drawn in the coronal plane across the anus, the so called transverse anal line. Anterior fistulas will have a direct tract into the canal anal. Posterior fistulas will have a curved tract with their internal opening lying in the posterior midline of the anal canal (1)”. Development of new imaging techniques allows us to verify whether Goodsall´s statement is true. Hundreds of years passed until we are able to check if his rule can really contribute to fistulae tracts determination, therefore improving chances of success in surgical approaches or not. Objective: analyzing endoanal ultrasonography (US) results performed in anal fistulae and determine if they follow Goodsall´s statement. Design: descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Material and methods: a retrospective study of 285 endoanal US performed from 2004 to 2012. Age, gender, Parks´s classification, internal and external orifice, main and secondary tracts, mid cavity, and complexity were analyzed. Interesphincteric and low transesphincteric tracts were considered single fistulas whereas high transsphincteric, suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric and recurrent tracts were considered to be complex fistulas. Inclusion criteria: fistulas arising in infected anal crypts. Exclusion criteria: subcutaneous, malignant, specifics, traumatic or inflammatory tracts. Results: 17 studies were excluded. Research was based in 268 studies. 193 (72,01%) transsphincteric, 70 (26,12%) interessphincteric, 4 (1,49%) suprasphincteric and 1 (0,37%) extrasphincteric fistulas. 234 (87,76%) studies followed the postulate, 81,62% of them were single fistulas and 18,37%, complex tracts. However, there were 34 (12,68%) studies that did not satisfy expectancy, 58,82% of them were single fistulas while 41,17% were complex... (TRUNCADO).

Ecografía endoanal 360º en la evaluación diagnóstica de las fístulas perianales. Correlación entre el informe ecográfico y el hallazgo quirúrgico. Nuestra experiencia / Endoanal 360º ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of perianal fistulas. Correlation between ultraasound and surgical finding report. Our experience

Antecedentes: desde que en 1989 Law y Bartram publicaran su primer trabajo sobre las fístulas perianales y su identificación por ultrasonido con un transductor rotatorio, la ecografía endoanal de 360º se ha revelado como una herramienta esencial en el estudio de la patología del canal anal y del recto, habiendo contribuido enormemente tanto en el diagnóstico como en la orientación terapéutica. Objetivo: comunicar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico de fístulas perianales con ecografía endoanal de 360º, y su correlación con el hallazgo quirúrgico. Pacientes y Métodos: entre Noviembre de 2010 y Octubre de 2012 se realizaron 168 estudios con diagnóstico de fístula perianal. Las variables analizadas fueron: 1) localización del trayecto por cuadrante; 2) localización según clasificación de Parks; 3) detección del orificio interno; 4) detección de patología asociada. Resultados: Localización por cuadrantes, se informó en todos de los casos. Localización según clasificación de Parks: 138 interesfintéricas (82,1%), 16 transesfintéricas (9,5%), 1 supraesfintérica (0,5%) y 1 extraesfintérica (0,5%). Se localizó el orificio interno fistuloso en 140 pacientes (83,33%). En cuanto a la correlación con la cirugía: en 103 casos (95,37%) informó la localización del orificio interno fistuloso. 1) 100% de concordancia en localización por cuadrantes, 2) localización según Parks acuerdo en 73 pacientes (67,6%),3) localización del orificio interno: correlación en 91 pacientes (88,34%). Conclusiones: la ecografía endoanal con transductor rotatorio de 360º es un método eficaz, accesible, barato, inocuo y casi sin contraindicaciones. Presenta alta tasa de detección del orificio interno fistuloso y podría ser muy útil en el planeamiento quirúrgico de una patología benigna difícil de tratar como la fístula perianal.

Background: since 1989 when Dr. Law and Bartman published their first article about fistula-in-ano and the diagnosis with a rotator ultrasound probe, the 360° endoanal ultrasonography has become an essential tool in the study of the rectum and the anal canal pathology, having contributed enormously in both the diagnosis and the therapeutic decisions. Purpose: to communicate our experience in diagnosis of fistula-in-ano with 360° endoanal US and its correlation with intraoperative findings. Patients and Methods: we analyzed 168 cases of perianal fistula diagnosed between November 2010 and October 2012. The analyzed variables in the first part of the study were: 1) quadrant localization of the fistula track/s; 2) localization according to Parks classification; 3) localization of the internal opening. The intraoperative results analized: 1) quadrant localization; 2) localization according to Parks classification; 3) localization of the internal opening. Results: 1) quadrant localization: achieved in all patients studied (100%). 2) Parks classification 138 inter-sphinteric (82,1%), 16 transphinteric (9,5%), 1 suprasphinteric (0,5%) and 1 extrasphinteric (0,5%). 3) we diagnosed the internal opening in 140 cases (83,33%). Correlation between US and surgery: 108 (64,28%) patiens have underwent surgical treatment. From them, we diagnosed in 103 cases (95.37%) the internal opening. 1) quadrant localization: 100% concordance between US and surgery, 2) Parks classification concordance achieved in 73 patients (76,6%), 3) localization of the internal opening correlation in 91 cases (88,34%). Conclusions: the 360° endoanal US with rotatory probe is an effective, accessible, low-cost, harmless, and rarely contraindicated method. It has a high rate of success identifying the internal opening and could become very usefull for planning the surgical strategy of a benign pathology difficult to treat as the fistula-in-ano.

Avaliação por ressonância magnética das fístulas perianais: ensaio iconográfico / Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of perianal fistulas: iconographic essay

A fístula perianal é uma condição incomum com tendência a recorrência, que usualmente é decorrente de infecção prévia não observada à cirurgia. A ressonância magnética mostra com acurácia a anatomia da região e a relação da fístula com o diafragma pélvico e a fossa isquiorretal, classificando-a em cinco tipos. A ressonância magnética é superior a qualquer outra modalidade para a detecção de focos infecciosos na região perianal, incluindo a exploração cirúrgica. Tem a capacidade de guiar o procedimento cirúrgico, reduzindo a taxa de recorrência em 75 por cento em pacientes com doença complexa.

Fistula in ano is an uncommon condition that has a tendency to recur despite seemingly appropriate surgery. Recurrent fistula in ano is usually caused by infection that was missed during surgical exploration. Magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to accurately demonstrate the anatomy of the perianal region as well as the fistula's relationship with the pelvic diaphragm and ischiorectal fossa, allowing the classification of fistulas into five types. Magnetic resonance imaging depicts infectious foci in the perianal region better than any other investigation modality, including surgical exploration. Magnetic resonance image-guided surgery helps to reduce postoperative recurrence by 75 percent in patients with complex disease.

Tapón anal bioprotésico. Eficacia en el tratamiento de las fístulas anales complejas / Bioprosthetic anal plug. Eficacy in the treatment of the complex anal fistulas

Introducción: Las fistulas anales complejas son de difícil manejo y en general afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes que las padecen. Cuando el trayecto compromete gran cantidad del músculo esfinteriano existe el riesgo de una incontinencia postoperatoria. Para prevenir el daño, en los últimos años surgieron tratamientos alternativos, entre ellos el tapón bioprotésico anal. Objetivo: Demostrar la eficacia del tapón bioprotésico anal en el tratamiento de las fistulas anales complejas. Diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Pacientes y métodos: Se colocaron 15 tapones en 12 pacientes (6 varones) con una edad promedio de 47 años (rango, 26-71). El 62 por ciento de los pacientes presentaban antecedentes de dos o más cirugias previas por fístulas anales complejas (9 transesfinterianas altas, l extraesfinteriana, l recto-vaginal, l pouch-vaginal). Se utilizó la ecografía endoanal de 3600 como estudio complementario del diagnóstico en todos los casos. El procedimiento fue realizado bajo anestesia general, en posición de litotomía y se utilizó profilaxis antibiótica. Una vez localizado el trayecto fistuloso se irrigó con solución de iodopovidona para ubicar el orificio primario. Se colocó el tapón anal a través del trayecto fistuloso fijándolo al orifico interno y recortando el excedente al nivel del orificio externo. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de 2 a 13 meses. Resultados: El tratamiento fue exitoso en 8 pacientes con una única colocación del tapón. De los casos recidivados, se les colocó un nuevo tapón a tres pacientes; evolucionando con éxito dos de ellos. El porcentaje global de respuesta favorable fue del 82 por ciento. No se registró morbi-mortalidad referida al método. Conclusión: El tratamiento de las fistulas anales con el tapón bioprotésico es una alternativa segura y efectiva, con posibilidades de volver a realizarse sin afectar la continencia.

Introduction: The complex anal fistulas have a difficult treatment and generally affect the patients’ lifestyle. When the tracts run through the upper anal sphincters the risk of postoperative incontinence is higher. The anal bioprosthetic plug is an alternative treatment for preventing the damage. Aim: To demonstrate the efficacy of the anal plug in the treatment of the complex anal fistulas. Design: Observational retrospective study. Patients and Methods: Fifteen plugs were applied to 12 patients (6 males), mean age 47 (range, 26-71) years. The 62 per cent of patients had multiple previous surgeries for complex fistulas (9 high transsphincteric, 1 extrasphincteric, 1 recto-vaginal, 1 pouch-vaginal fistulas). The 360º anal ultrasound was applied in all cases. The surgical technique was performed under general anesthesia, in lithotomy position, with antibiotics prophylaxis. During surgery iodopovidone was used to confirm the localization of the internal opening. The plug was inserted via the fistula tract and attached to the internal opening. Any portion of the plug implanted remaining out of the tract was removed. The length of follow-up was 2 to 13 months. Results: The treatment was successful in 8 patients with one plug implantation. In 3 cases of recurrence, another plug was inserted and two fistulas healed. The overall success rate was 82 pre cent. There was no morbidity or mortality with the method. Conclusion: The anal bioprosthetic plug is a safe and effective treatment for anal fistulas, with the possibility of re-implantation without affecting anal continence.

Fístulas peri ano-rectales / Perianal fistulas

Introducción: Las fístulas peri ano-rectales continúan siendo un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo por revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por fístulas peri ano rectales en el Hospital E. Erill y el Hospital Universitario Austral, durante el periodo marzo del año 2000 y marzo de 2005. Se efectuaron 40 procedimientos quirúrgicos en 34 pacientes. Siete fueron del sexo femenino, con una media de edad de 34.7 años y 27 masculinos, con una media de edad de 44.2 años. La relación masculino/femenino fue de 3.8:1. Resultados: En la serie analizada las fístulas interesfinterianas fueron las de mayor incidencia (59 por ciento) y el procedimiento quirúrgico implementado con más frecuencia fue el de la fistulectomía (37.5 por ciento). Nuestro índice de recidivas del 18 por ciento, se reduce al 9 por ciento si se excluyen las producidas en fístulas rectovaginales. La alta tasa de recidivas en FRV hace suponer un comportamiento fisiopatológico diferente a las de origen criptogenético. La incidencia de incontinencia ha sido de 6 por ciento (dos casos) y solo para gases.