Understanding New Ideas in Cryptoglandular Fistula-in-Ano

Outcomes of surgical treatment for anorectal abscesses and chronic fistulas varies widely, as there is lack of unified classification and systematic surgical approach to address a wide range of disease pattern. Acute anorectal abscess and chronic fistula-in-ano should be considered the same disease at both end of a spectrum. This article describes in detail the pathogenesis and relevant anorectal anatomy to aid understanding of a new concept of classifying anorectal abscess and fistula based on natural patterns. A better understanding of patterns allows more accurate surgical treatment. Recent evidence shows that definitive surgical treatment for anal fistula during acute abscess stage is safe and feasible. An optimum surgical treatment should focus on eradication of intersphincteric infection, removal of secondary branches or abscesses, allow healing by secondary intention and preserve continence as best as possible. Common challenges faced by clinicians include confusion in classification, inaccurate delineation of fistula, challenging acute abscesses, unable to locate internal opening and facing complex features such as high fistula or multiple branches. Suggested solutions are discussed and a structured treatment strategy according to types and patterns is proposed. Surgical treatment should follow the principles above and combination of surgical techniques is beneficial compared to individual modality.

Fistulotomy with Primary Sphincter Repair in High Anal Fistula

Background Anal fistula is abnormal communication between the anal canal and the perianal skin or perineum or buttocks. Anal fistula is almost always a consequence of an anorectal abscess that was drained. While the abscess represents the acute phase of the disease, fistula represents the chronic phase as the fistulous pathway may persist in about 1/3 of cases. Aim of the Work In this study we will perform fistulotomy with primary sphincter repair in high cryptoglandular fistula with assessment of recurrence rate, incontinence rate and patient satisfaction according to pain score, wound healing, discharge and return to daily activity parameters. Methods This was prospective cohort study on 30 patients of high peri-anal fistulae and fistulotomy and reconstruction (primary suture repair) of anal sphincter was done., the patients were followed up 6 months postoperatively regarding their continence using Wexner score, recurrence, discharge and their return to work by scheduled outpatient clinical examination. Results Among 30 patients only three patients complaining usual incontinence mostly as post defecation soiling. Three patients reported anal fistula recurrence: One occurred at the 5th month, while the other two occurred at the 6th month after surgery. The procedure was well tolerated by the patients as most of them complaining only minimal pain and returned to work after two weeks without need of other stage like other procedures. Conclusion Fistulotomy with primary sphincter repair is an effective therapeutic option for patients with high anal fistula. Our study demonstrated that immediate reconstruction of the sphincters after fistulotomy achieved high success rates and low risk of postoperative fecal incontinence, compared to reported rates after simple fistulotomy.

Supralevator Abscess Complicated by Necrotic Fasciitis of Peritoneum, Genitalia, Anterior Abdominal Wall and Retroperitoneum.

A supralevator anorectal abscess may lead to a rare clinical complication, such as perineal necrotizing fasciitis. A 57-year-old man was admitted on an emergency basis with evidence of a deep anorectal abscess of 5-day duration. The clinical presentation involved an unbounded purulent destructive inflammation spreading onto the adjacent areas, with the development of a septic condition. Following a short preparation, a radical surgical debridement of a subfascial purulent necrotic phlegmon of the pelvic space was performed. Since the lower part of the abdomen, retroperitoneum and scrotum were involved, 4 additional subsequent necrectomies were performed at 48-hour intervals. The aggressive radical operative treatment and the combined intensive therapy were the main contributors to the favorable outcome of the disease.

P656 Epidemiology and outcomes associated with local surgical and intersphincteric ligation procedures for complex cryptoglandular fistulas: A systematic literature review

Background Studies suggest that complex cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) are difficult to treat, resulting in higher intervention failure rates and functional disability. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the epidemiology of cryptoglandular fistula and outcomes associated with local, surgical and intersphincteric ligation procedures for treatment of CCF. Methods PubMed and Embase were searched to identify articles published in the past 5 years (2015–2020) relating to incidence or prevalence of cryptoglandular fistula and outcomes of surgical interventions for CCF (PROSPERO registration number CRD42020177732). Outcomes of interest included fistula closure/healing, recurrence, surgery failure, post-operative pain and faecal incontinence. The interventions included anal flap procedures, fistulectomy, fistulotomy, primary sphincteroplasty, modified Park’s technique, LIFT or BIOLIFT, and TROPIS. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies. Data were extracted for a range of variables, including study type and design, population, outcomes and limitations. Results In total, 148 studies were identified that met a priori eligibility criteria for all cryptoglandular fistulas and all intervention types. Of these, two reported incidence or prevalence of cryptoglandular fistulas and 18 reported outcomes for the interventions of interest in CCF. Prevalence of cryptoglandular fistulas was reported as 1.35 per 10 000 patients without Crohn’s disease, and 52.6% of patients without IBD were found to progress from anorectal abscess to fistula over 12 months. Studies examining the clinical outcomes reported primary healing rates of 57.4–100.0%, recurrence rates of 4.9–61.0% and failure rates of 2.8–18.0% of patients. Only five studies reported post-operative pain as a clinical outcome. Overall, these studies suggest patients experience no or minimal longer-term post-operative pain. In studies reporting post-operative faecal incontinence following anal mucosal flap procedures, observed incontinence rates were low, as measured using Wexner or Miller scoring. None of the studies involving fistulectomy measured faecal incontinence. Conclusion This SLR provides a summary of outcomes from a selected group of surgical interventions for CCF. Healing rates vary according to surgery type; however, differences in study design and heterogenous definitions prevent direct comparison. Overall, the published literature indicates low to modest rates of CCF recurrence and limited data on faecal incontinence and longer-term post-operative pain. Sponsor: Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

Comparative Analysis of Transmittal Biplane Intracranial Ultrasound and Multi-Slice Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Perianal Abscess

Perianal abscess is a relatively common disease in the anorectal department, and its incidence accounts for more than 20% of anorectal disease. Once diagnosed in the clinic, surgical drainage is needed immediately, which is of great significance for the clinical outcome. In this study, patients with anorectal abscess diagnosed by transmittal biplanar intracranial ultrasound and multi-slice spiral CT were selected in our hospital. They were randomly divided into the ultrasound group and the MSCT group. Transrectal biplanar intracranial ultrasound has a higher diagnosis rate for perianal abscess, and the localization has a unique advantage, which provides a powerful image basis for the choice of clinical treatment.