Jump Technique versus Seton Method for Anal Fistula Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of anal fistula has been a conundrum for surgeons over the years. Various methods such as fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), advancement flaps, fibrin glue, and plugs are well-known techniques. Yet, they may be followed by several considerable complications, including incontinency and recurrence. METHODS: In this study, the outcomes of the "Jump" and "Seton" techniques are compared. A randomized controlled trial consisting of 130 cases with cryptoglandular anal fistula randomly sorted into two groups was conducted. Group A underwent the "Jump technique" while group B underwent the "Seton technique." Outcomes, incontinency and recurrences in particular, were evaluated after a year of treatment. Data were analyzed by Fisher Exact, Chi-Square and Mann Whitney Tests. RESULTS: Group A with 65 cases underwent the "Jump technique" while group B with 65 cases underwent the "Seton Method." Recurrence was reported in 12 (20%) cases in group A and 10 (15.6%) cases in group B (p=0.687). Overall incontinence was reported in 3 (4.6%) cases in group A and 18 (27.7%) cases in group B (P=0.001). The total St. Mark's scores for incontinency of group A (0.092±0.52) and group B (1.8±02.47) significantly differed (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The "Jump technique", named after a runner who jumped over hurdles, has obviated these complications. The "Jump technique" had satisfactory results and can be utilized as a first-line approach for all types of fistulas. Moreover, it can be redone for cases with recurrences without affecting the continence, paving the way to change the technique during operations.

Floating aortic thrombus with celiac artery embolus presenting with chronic epigastric and right upper quadrant pain: A case report.

Arterial occlusion may be the cause of chronic pain, and vascular diagnostic procedures should be a part of the workup in patients with unexplained chronic visceral pain.

Determinants of Success After Metatarsal Head Resection for the Treatment of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Metatarsal head resection (MHR) is an effective option for the treatment of nonhealing neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. The present study aimed to identify factors that predict treatment success for neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers undergoing metatarsal head resection. In this prospective interventional case series, 30 consecutive diabetic patients with documented nonischemic neuropathic plantar diabetic foot ulcers beneath the metatarsal head who underwent MHR were included. The study endpoint was demographic indicators of early and late postoperative outcomes. Patients were followed up for 1 to 66 months (mean 37.6 months). Except for 1 patient, all subjects' wounds (96.6%) healed after metatarsal head resection within an average of 35 days. One of the operated patients (3.4%) suffered short-term complications; long-term complications occurred in 23.3% of the patients. One patient (3.4%) experienced ulcer recurrence, 3 patients (10%) developed wound infection, and transfer lesions occurred in 3 other patients (10%) during the follow-up period. Using 3 estimators including ordinary least squares (OLS), White's heteroscedastic standard errors, and bootstrapping procedure, we could not find any statistically significant demographic feature related to ulcer healing. Using regression modeling, we could not find any evidence for a role of age, sex, weight, height, BMI, duration of ulcer until MHR, and duration of diabetes mellitus (years since diabetes diagnosis) affecting the outcome of MHR. Hence, demographic features, duration of ulcer until MHR, and years with diabetes did not affect the outcome of MHR. In conclusion, the authors believe that MHR will have a high rate of success for neuropathic wound healing in this specific subset of patients regardless of demographic features, as long as there is no ischemia to impair healing by secondary intention.

Comparison of Metatarsal Head Resection Versus Conservative Care in Treatment of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Complications from diabetic foot ulcers often lead to increased patient morbidity. Much debate still ensues concerning surgical versus conservative management of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcerations. The present study assessed and compared the efficacy of metatarsal head resection and medical approach in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers located at the plantar surface of metatarsal heads. In a retrospective cohort study, 24 consecutive neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers in the lower area of the metatarsal heads that had undergone metatarsal head resection were included as the operative group. For the control group, we included 25 similar ulcers that were scheduled for medical therapy. With respect to postoperative complications, wound healing occurred earlier in the operative group, and the recurrence rate was inversely greater in the medical treatment group. Also, the hospitalization rate was significantly greater in the medical treatment group. Overall, the long-term complication rate was lower in the operative than in the medical treatment group. Also, the infection rate was greater in the medical treatment group than in the operative group. Comparing early and late clinical outcomes of metatarsal head resection surgery and medical treatment showed complete superiority for the surgical approach, and metatarsal head resection is more completely cost beneficial than the medical approach.