Complex Anal Fistula: Long-Term Results of Modified Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract=LIFT

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate our experience in the management of complex anal fistulae by combined technique approach. Ideal surgical treatment for complex anal fistula should aim to eradicate the source of infection and promote healing of the tract, while preserving the sphincters and the mechanism of anal continence. Even with the evolving newer techniques complex anal fistulae have higher rates of recurrence and functional disability as anal incontinence. The requirement of multiple surgeries for recurrence and the newer techniques like anal fistula plug are expensive and will become a burden for patients living in developing countries like ours. Thus, apart from Ligation of Intersphincteric fistula tract, the use of cutting seton is the main surgical method practiced here. This article focuses on the approach to the complex anal fistula management through evidence-based treatment strategies.Methods: Author conducted a prospective study of 35 complex anal fistulae patients undergoing combined technique approach with cutting Seton, Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula tract and fistulotomy. Results: All patients recovered well with no complications in postoperative period. After 2 years of follow up patients are recurrence free and only 2 patients had partial incontinence with improving trend.Conclusions: The use of cutting Seton in high anal fistula is an effective technique. LIFT technique is good for Transphincteric tracts without previous scarring; it can be easily learned and applied. We can conclude that combined technique was an effective procedure and valid alternative for complex anal fistula management.

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The Use of Seton as a Bridge to Definitive Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Procedure for Fistula-in-ano: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Journal of Coloproctology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730039 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carlos Placer-Galán ◽

Jose Mª Enriquez-Navascués ◽

Tania Pastor-Bonel ◽

Ignacio Aguirre-Allende ◽

Yolanda Saralegui-Ansorena

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Anal Fistula ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fistula Tract ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Fistula In Ano ◽

Intersphincteric Fistula ◽

The Impact ◽

Seton Placement ◽

Primary Healing

Abstract Background There is still controversy over the usefulness of seton placement prior to the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) surgery in the management of anal fistula. Objective To evaluate the impact of preoperative seton placement on the outcomes of LIFT surgery for the management of fistula-in-ano. Design systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources A search was performed on the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. Study Selection Original studies without language restriction reporting the primary healing rates with and without seton placement as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery were included. Intervention The intervention assessed was the LIFT with and without prior seton placement. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome was defined as the primary healing rate with and without the use of seton as a bridge to definitive LIFT surgery. Results Ten studies met the criteria for systematic review, all retrospective, with a pooled study population of 772 patients. There were no significant differences in the percentages of recurrence between patients with and without seton placement (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–1.43: p = 0.35). The I2 value was 9%, which shows the homogeneity of the results among the analyzed studies. The 10 included studies demonstrated a weighted average overall recurrence of 38% (interquartile range [IQR] 27–42.7%), recurrence with the use of seton was 40% (IQR 26.6–51.2%), and without its use, the recurrence rate was 51.3% (IQR 31.3–51.3%) Limitations The levels of evidence found in the available literature were relatively fair, as indicated after qualitative evaluation using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) evidence levels. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that the placement of seton as a bridge treatment prior to LIFT surgery does not significantly improve long-term anal fistula healing outcomes. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract surgery can be performed safely and effectively with no previous seton placement.International prospective register of systematic reviews—PROSPERO registration number: CDR42020149173.

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Long-term Evaluation of Fistulotomy and Immediate Sphincteroplasty as a Treatment for Complex Anal Fistula

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum ◽

10.1097/dcr.0000000000001800 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽

Author(s):

María del Mar Aguilar-Martínez ◽

Luis Sánchez-Guillén ◽

Xavier Barber-Valles ◽

María José Alcaide Quirós ◽

Marina Bosch-Ramírez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anal Fistula ◽

Complex Anal Fistula ◽

Term Evaluation

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Effectiveness of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in the treatment of anal fistula: initial results

ABCD Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva (São Paulo) ◽

10.1590/s0102-67202014000200004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 101-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sergio Danilo Tanahara TOMIYOSHI ◽

Carlos Henrique Marques DOS SANTOS

Keyword(s):

Fecal Incontinence ◽

Anal Fistula ◽

Anorectal Manometry ◽

Fistulous Tract ◽

Complete Healing ◽

Fistula Tract ◽

Anal Fistulas ◽

Intersphincteric Fistula ◽

The Mean ◽

Initial Results

BACKGROUND: The abscesses and anal fistulas represent about 70% of perianal suppuration, with an estimated incidence of 1/10000 inhabitants per year and representing 5% of queries in coloproctology. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the interesphincteric ligation technique of the fistulous tract in the treatment of anal fistula. METHODS: The records of eight patients who underwent this technique, evaluating age, gender and presence of incontinence were studied. Was named technical first-step the passage of cotton thread to promote the correct individualization of the fistula and, as the second, the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Two patients were men and eight women. The mean age was 42.8 years. Of these, seven (87.5%) had complete healing of the fistula; six were cured only with this procedure and one required additional operation with simple fistulotomy. Only one patient developed fecal incontinence which was documented by anorectal manometry. There were no deaths in this series. CONCLUSION: The interesphincteric ligation technique of the fistulous tract proved to be effective for the treatment of anal fistula and should not be discouraged despite the occurrence of eventual fecal incontinence.

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