Preliminary efficacy of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anal fistula / 中华胃肠外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) for complex anal fistula.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 11 consecutive patients with complex anal fistula undergoing VAAFT in our department from May to July 2015 were reviewed. VAAFT was performed to manage the fistula under endoscope without cutting or resection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>VAAFT was successfully performed in all the 11 patients. The internal ostium was closed using mattress suture in 10 cases, and Endo-GIA stapler in 1 case. The mean operative time was (42.0±12.4) min, mean hospital stay was (4.1±1.5) d. Complication included bleeding and perianal infection in 1 case respectively. After 1 to 3.2 months follow-up, success rate was 72.7%(8/11), and no fecal incontinence was observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Video-assisted anal fistula treatment is an effective, safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure for complex anal fistula with preservation of anal sphincter function.</p>