“Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (Lift)" The Solution in Perianal Fistulae? – A Prospective Observational Study in 30 Simply Randomised Cases

ABSTRACT

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistulous Tract (LIFT) is a novel and promising technique in the management of Fistula in ano. We tried to assess the outcome of LIFT procedure in our institute in terms of healing rate, incontinence and recurrences. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in the Department of General Surgery, IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India between January 2016 and August 2017. Thirty patients were selected with simple randomization after applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria and all underwent LIFT procedure. Results: Among the 30 patients included in our study, the healing rate varied from 76.7% in 2-week follow-up to 93.3% on 6 months follow-up. One patient had Grade B incontinence from which he recovered within 1 month. One diabetic patient had recurrence of the disease. Conclusion: LIFT is a promising procedure for both simple or complex fistulas with single or multiple tracts with minimum incidence of incontinence or recurrence. However, larger randomised controlled trials with large study population is required.