New Operative Method for Transsphincteric Fistula

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The complications after surgery for trans sphincteric anal fistula are anal incontinence due to cutting of the external anal sphincter muscle and recurrent anal fistula. Several methods have been developed to alleviate this condition, but they still have many complications. We performed surgery for transsphincteric anal fistula by a new method with excellent results and therefore report this new method as another treatment modality for transsphincteric anal fistula. METHODS: We performed surgery for transsphincteric anal fistula on 12 patients at Hanyang University Kuri Hospital between March 1999 and December 2001. RESULTS: There were no recurrences in any of the 12 patients, all of whom kept continence after surgery. Our operative method involve coring out and fistulectomy, laying open, closure of the defected external sphincter muscle and partial closure of the skin of the external opening. CONCLUSION: Our simple and modified method for transsphincteric anal fistula showed excellent results, especially in terms of the rate of recurrence and fecal incontinence. We therefore recommended this easy and simple method for surgery for transsphincteric anal fistula.