ABSTRACT
Introducción: Las fístulas perianales complejas siguen siendo un auténtico desafío terapéutico en nuestros días, dada la ausencia de una terapia universal y los resultados a largo plazo, ya que el porcentaje de complicaciones o recidivas no es desdeñable. Entre las opciones terapéuticas encontramos los tapones biológicos, siendo respetuosos con los esfínteres, pero con resultados dispares. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados a largo plazo tras la colocación de un tapón de colágeno piramidal en dos pacientes con fístula perianal compleja. Materiales y Método: Se presentan 2 pacientes con fístula perianal compleja intervenidos mediante colocación de tapón biológico cumpliendo estrictos criterios de inclusión. Discusión: Dentro del arsenal terapéutico disponible actualmente, los tapones biológicos prometen una solución definitiva para determinadas fístulas perianales, evitando una posible incontinencia. Con resultados dispares en la bibliografía, en nuestros dos casos los pacientes han evolucionado de forma excelente, con resolución completa de la enfermedad fistulosa sin complicaciones ni recidiva a largo plazo. Conclusiones: Dados los excepcionales resultados obtenidos en nuestros dos primeros casos con este tipo de tapón, nos planteamos si la morfología del mismo puede ser determinante en su éxito.
Introduction: Complex perianal fistulas continue to be a real therapeutic challenge today, given the absence of universal therapy and long-term results, since the percentage of complications or recurrences is not negligible. Among the therapeutic options we find biological plugs, being respectful with the sphincters but with disparate results. Aim: To evaluate the long-term results after the placement of a pyramidal collagen plug in two patients with complex perianal fistula. Materials and Method: We present two patients with complex perianal fistula who were operated on by placing a biological plug, meeting strict inclusion criteria. Discussion: Within the therapeutic arsenal currently available, biological plugs promise a definitive solution for certain perianal fistulas, avoiding possible incontinence. With different results in the literature, in our two cases the patients have evolved excellently, with complete resolution of the fistulous disease without complications or long-term recurrence. Conclusions: Considering the exceptional results obtained in our first two cases with this type of plug, we wonder if its morphology can be a determining factor in its success.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: New technical approaches involving biologically derived products have been used to treat complex anal fistulas in order to avoid the risk of fecal incontinence. The least invasive methods involve filling out the fistula tract with fibrin glue or introduction of an anal fistula plug into the fistula canal following thorough curettage. A review shows that the new techniques involving biologically derived products do not confer any significant advantages. Therefore, the question inevitably arises as to whether the combination of a partial or limited fistulectomy, i.e., of the extrasphincteric portion of the fistula, and preservation of the sphincter muscle by repairing the section of the complex anal fistula running through the sphincter muscle and filling it with a fistula plug produces better results. METHODS: A modified plug technique was used, in which the extrasphincteric portion of the complex anal fistula was removed by means of a limited fistulectomy and the remaining section of the fistula in the sphincter muscle was repaired using the fistula plug with fixing button. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients with a complex anal fistula, who had undergone surgery using a modified plug repair with limited fistulectomy of the extrasphincteric part of the fistula and use of the fistula plug with fixing button, there are from 40 patients (follow-up rate: 77%) some kind of follow-up informations, after a mean of 19.32 ± 6.9 months. Thirty-two were men and eight were women, with a mean age of 52.97 ± 12.22 years. Surgery was conducted to treat 36 transsphincteric, 1 intersphincteric, and 3 rectovaginal fistulas. In 36 of 40 patients (90%), the complex anal fistulas or rectovaginal fistulas were completely healed without any sign of recurrence. None of these patients complained about continence problems. CONCLUSION: A modification of the plug repair of complex anal fistulas with limited fistulectomy of the extrasphincteric part of the fistula and use of the plug with fixing button seems to increase the healing rate in comparison to the standard plug technique.
