Modified Lift Versus Cutting Seton for Transphincteric Fistula -Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Fistula in ano is a common disease which has high recurrence rate and high fecal incontinence rate after surgery. We compared modified LIFT (Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) through lateral approach ) with cutting seton for transphincteric fistula. Aim: This study is aimed at which procedure is better with respect to postoperative complications Study design: It was a prospective comparative study. Methods: This was a prospective comparative study from 01-01-2019 to 30-06-2021 which was conducted on 50 patients who presented with transsphincteric fistula in ano (FIA) in surgical ward of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Patients were divided into two groups .Patients of Group A underwent modified lift procedure and patients of group B underwent cutting seton procedure. Data was collected on a proforma which included patients’ name ,age ,sex, age group, comorbid disease like diabetes mellitus ,chronic liver disease, cardiovascular disease and chronic renal failure, fistula tract involving less than 50% or more than 50% external sphincter ,procedure done, healing time of wound, complications like recurrence and incontinence. Patients were followed for 6 months for healing rate ,recurrence and incontinence. Data was analysed on spss 22 version Results: In Group A, complete healing (fistula closure without recurrence) was achieved in 20 patients (80%) out of 25. There was no case of anal incontinence after the procedure. 5 (20%) patients experienced recurrence in 6 months . In Group B, complete healing (fistula closure without recurrence) was achieved in 21 patients (84%), in 6 months follow up . 4(16%) patients were diagnosed as a case of anal incontinence. There were 4 (16%) patients with recurrence. Conclusion: Modified LIFT is better in terms of incontinence where as cutting seton is better in terms of recurrence.it is suggested that for high lying fistula modified LIFT is better procedure and for low lying fistula involving less than 50% sphincter cutting seton is better procedure.. Keywords: Modified LIFT (ligation of ineter sphincteric fistula tract) ,Cutting seton , transphincteric fistula.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Anorectoplasty for Rectovestibular Fistula: A Comparison Study with Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty

Background Posterior or anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) is the mainstream for correcting rectovestibular fistula (RVF). However, the intermediate RVF has the potential risk of wound complications when applying ASARP due to its high rectal pouch, long fistula tract, and difficulty separating the rectum and vagina. We developed laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) for surgical correction of RVF, which has acceptable preliminary outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LAARP in comparison with ASARP for patients with RVF. Materials and Methods Twenty-five patients with RVF who underwent LAARP between October 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were compared with 43 patients who underwent ASARP between April 2015 and August 2018. The age, weight at operation, sacral ratio, operative time, and postoperative hospital stay were evaluated. The results were assessed for complications, perineum appearance, and bowel function. Results The two groups were comparable in terms of demographics. The median operative time of the LAARP group was significantly longer than that of the ASARP group (113 vs. 95 minutes; p = 0.015). The mean length of the resected rectum in the LAARP group was also longer than that in the ASARP group (6.75 ± 5.07 vs. 3.31 ± 3.06 cm; p = 0.001). Compared with the LAARP group, complications in the ASARP group were more frequent (4.0 vs. 27.9%, p = 0.036). No intraoperative or postoperative wound-related complications occurred in the LAARP group. However, in the ASARP group, one patient had an intraoperative vaginal injury and four had postoperative anastomosis-related complications. The incidence of redo operation in the ASARP group was significantly higher than that in the LAARP group (p = 0.000). Cosmetic satisfaction was higher in the LAARP group (96.0 vs. 76.7%; p < 0.05). In terms of voluntary bowel movement, soiling, and constipation, the LAARP group had similar results compare with the ASARP group. Conclusion The LAARP technique has shown several unique strengths in treating intermediate type RVF, including lower risks of complications, and minimal muscular injury, with a comparable bowel function.

Molecular differences of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells between non-responders and responders in treatment of transphincteric perianal fistulas

Background Injection of autologous adipose tissue (AT) has recently been demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for anal fistulas. AT mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) mediate the healing process, but the relationship between molecular characteristics of AT-MSCs of the injected AT and fistula healing has not been adequately studied. Thus we aimed to characterize the molecular and functional properties of AT-MSCs isolated from autologous AT injected as a treatment of cryptogenic high transsphincteric perianal fistulas and correlate these findings to the healing process. Methods 27 patients (age 45 ± 2 years) diagnosed with perianal fistula were enrolled in the study and treated with autologous AT injected around the anal fistula tract. AT-MSCs were isolated for cellular and molecular analyses. The fistula healing was evaluated by MRI scanning after 6 months of treatment. AT-MSC phenotype was compared between responders and non-responders with respect to fistula healing. Results 52% of all patients exhibited clinical healing of the fistulas as evaluated 6 months after last injection. Cultured AT-MSCs in the responder group had a lower short-term proliferation rate and higher osteoblast differentiation potential compared to non-responder AT-MSCs. On the other hand, adipocyte differentiation potential of AT-MSCs was higher in non-responder group. Interestingly, AT-MSCs of responders exhibited lower expression of inflammatory and senescence associated genes such as IL1B, NFKB, CDKN2A, TPB3,TGFB1. Conclusion Our data suggest that cellular quality of the injected AT-MSCs including cell proliferation, differentiation capacity and secretion of proinflammatory molecules may provide a possible mechanism underlying fistula healing. Furthermore, these biomarkers may be useful to predict a positive fistula healing outcome. Trial registration: NTC04834609, Registered 6 April 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04834609

Efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction enriched with platelet-rich plasma in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas

Background Transanal advancement flap repair of transsphincteric fistulas is a sphincter-preserving procedure, which frequently fails, probably due to ongoing inflammation in the remaining fistula tract. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has immunomodulatory properties promoting wound healing and suppressing inflammation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) reinforces this biological effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived SVF enriched with PRP in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted including consecutive patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula in a tertiary referral center. During flap repair, SVF was obtained by lipoharvesting and mechanical fractionation of adipose tissue and combined with PRP was injected around the internal opening and into the fistulous wall. Endpoints were fistula healing at clinical examination and fistula closure on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse events were documented. Results Forty-five patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula were included (29 males, median age 44 years [range 36–53 years]). In the total study population, primary fistula healing was observed in 38 patients (84%). Among the 42 patients with intestinal continuity at time of surgery, primary fistula healing was observed in 35 patients (84%). In one patient, the fistula recurred, resulting in a long-term healing rate of 82%. MRI, performed in 37 patients, revealed complete closure of the fistula tract in 33 (89.2%). In the other patients, the tract was almost completely obliterated by scar tissue. During follow-up, none of these patients showed clinical signs of recurrence. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for three cases; venous thromboembolism in one patient and bleeding under the flap, necessitating intervention in two patients. Conclusions Addition of autologous SVF enriched with PRP during flap repair is feasible, safe and might improve outcomes in patients with a transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register, Trial Number: NL8416, https://www.trialregister.nl/

LIGATION OF INTERSPHINCTERIC FISTULA TRACT AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR PERIANAL FISTULA AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

This study was aimed to evaluate clinical outcome of patients with perianal fistula operated with the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique. The study was conducted at Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro from July 2018 and August 2019. A total of 22 patients diagnosed with perianal fistula operated with the Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) technique were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or endosonography (ES) were performed to make a confirmed diagnosis of fistula. They were classified according to Parks classification. All patients were subjected to intersphincteric fistulous tract ligation using the technique defined by Rojanasakul modified. There were 16 males and 6 females. Mean age was 42 years (range 23-68 years of age). Out of 22 patients, 17 patients had a history of perianal abscess drainage prior to surgery and an average preoperative symptom presentation was 2.2 years (range 0-10 years). Therapeutic success with first surgery was achieved in 77% and with a second surgery in 90%. None of this patients modified their preoperative Wexner. It was concluded that LIFT technique appears to be a convenient, reproducible, and effective surgical alternative. This provides an appropriate closing rate and without continence modification, Therefore indicated for complex cryptoglandular fistulas.

Sphincter Preserving Techniques in Anal Fistula Treatment

Complex anal fistulas present a challenge to even a seasoned colorectal surgeon due to high rate of recurrence and a real possibility of fecal incontinence if treated with conventional methods (e.g., fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton placement). Although the illness is benign in nature, it can significantly decrease patient’s quality of life because of symptoms like pain and soiling. Given those facts, minimally invasive or sphincter preserving methods of treatment were introduced. Some of these include: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), Fistula-tract laser closure (FILAC), rectal advancement flap (RAF), treatment with platelet cells and combinations of techniques. This chapter would be an overview of these novel techniques with reference to latest clinical trials and meta-analyses.

Loose Thick Seton Suture Stimulates Rapid Healing and Lower Recurrence Rate in the Treatment of High Type Fistula in Ano

BACKGROUND: Fistula in ano is a chronic problem for the patients. It causes distressing because of foul odor and soiling with recurrent infection and discharge. Recurrence and anal sphincter injury were the most critical complications following surgery. Loose, thick seton placement was the most promising surgical operation. AIM: To reduce the time of seton placement, therefore, decreasing the suffering of patients from soiling and multiple dressing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, one hundred patients with high type fistula in ano treated surgically in Al-Sader Medical city and Al-Najaf daily private clinic, Najaf city, Iraq, from February 2018 to March 2019. Fistulography and magnetic resonance imaging have taken from all patients. After that, fistulectomy with loose, thick seton suture placed for 3 months. Patients with the persistence of high fistula tract underwent a second surgery and third operation until complete healing. RESULTS: One hundred patients with high type fistula in ano with male 96 (96%) and female patients were 4 (4%). The rate of complete healing among male patients after the first operation was 90 (93%), while female patients showed a 4 (100%) rate of complete healing after the first operation. Three of the remaining male patients with persistently high fistula tract showed complete healing after the second operation, whereas 3 (3%) the rate of complete healing was 100% after the third operation. CONCLUSION: A loose, thick seton placed in high type fistula tract for 3 months provides excellent protection to the external anal sphincter with less recurrence rate and rapid healing.

Multi-layer endoscopic suturing: a novel method of gastric fistula closure

Background and study aims Current endoscopic methods of treating gastric fistulas are either too complex or have high rates of recurrence. We aimed to provide a novel endoscopic method for robust fistula closure. Patients and methods This was a single-center, retrospective study of five patients who underwent multi-layer endoscopic suturing for closing of a chronic fistula (> 4 weeks). Devitalization of the fistula tract was achieved with argon plasma coagulation, followed by endoscopic suturing of the fistula. Then, endoscopic suturing of the gastric wall surrounding the fistula was performed, creating an overlay of healthy gastric mucosa around the fistula. Results Technical success (fistula closure on the day of the procedure) was achieved in all five patients, with no complications. After a median follow up of 5 months (range 2–23 months), there was a 100 % clinical success rate (no fistula recurrence). Conclusions Our single-operator method of multi-layer endoscopic suturing provides a robust fistula closure with minimal to no risk of recurrence. In light of limitations of current fistula closure methods, further investigations are warranted to better define long-term outcomes with it compared to alternative methods.

Evaluation of Fistulotomy with Immediate Sphincteric Reconstruction in the Treatment of High Transsphincteric Perianal Fistula

Background High perianal fistula treatment remains challenging, mainly due to the variability in success and recurrence rates as well as continence impairment risks. So far, no procedure can be considered the gold standard for surgical treatment. Yet, strong efforts to identify effective and complication-free surgical options are ongoing. Fistulotomy can be considered the best perianal fistula treatment option, providing a perfect surgical field view, allowing direct access to the source of chronic inflammation. Controversy exists concerning the risk of continence impairment associated with fistulotomy. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction regaring fistula recurrence, incontinence, and patient satisfaction. Methods This interventional study was performed at the General Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospital during the period from July 2018 to December 2019 on 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. The fistulous tract was laid open over the probe placed in the tract. After the fistula tract had been laid open, the tract was curetted and examined for secondary extensions. Then, suturing muscles to muscles, including the internal and external sphincters, by transverse mattress sutures. Results Our study showed that 2 patients develop incontinence to flatus ∼ 8.3%.and only one patient develop incontinence to loose stool, 4.2%. Complete healing was achieved in 83% and recurrence was 16.6%. Conclusion Fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction is considered to be an effective option in the management of high perianal fistula, with low morbidity and high healing rate with acceptable continence state.

A case study of post-auricular persistent mastoid cutaneous fistula closure by anteriorly based temporalis muscle flap and tempero-mastoid fascio-cutaneous-periosteal flap

<p class="abstract">Post-auricular cutaneous mastoid fistula (PAMCF) is a rare complication of chronic otitis media (COM), following complicate mastoid surgery and very rarely following congenital cholesteatoma. The failure rate with simple closure is high due to necrotic skin edges. Therefore several techniques for the closure of this fistula have been described. Post aural fistula after canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy can be successfully treated by fistula tract excision and obliterating the mastoid cavity. A 45 year old woman presented with discharging PAMCF, 10 years following radical mastoidectomy surgery. It was due to non-compliance of the patient, as she had not gone for follow up for 10 year following radical mastoidectomy. The temporo-mastoid fascio-cutaneous-periosteal advancement flap is effective for proper closure of the fistula and obliteration of the cavity by conchal cartilage along with anteriorly based vascularised pedicled temporalis muscle flap to ensure the viability of the flap and preventing the necrosis of the skin edges, henceforth the recurrence of the fistula.</p>