Fistula in ano is defined as an abnormal communication, lined by granulation tissue between the anal canal and the exterior i.e. the skin, which causes a chronic inflammatory response. Most commonly, these fistulae develop following an anal abscess. Inadequate drainage of the abscess or a spontaneous rupture are the two main reasons for development of anal fistula. The occurrence of such absces...

A fistula-in-ano (also referred to as anal fistula, rectal fistula, perianal fistula or anorectal fistula) is an abnormal tract or cavity communicating with the rectum or the anal canal by an identifiable internal opening (1). The problem is still up-to-date and remains a difficultone to handle, with an overall incidence of 8.6:100,000 annually, affecting patients with a mean age of 38.3 years....

Introduction: performing anal endosonography in complex fistula-in-ano allows us to design a personalized surgical strategy in each case, thereby improving results. However, there are doubts in the literature as to its utility in recurrent complex fistulas. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of anal ultrasonography in the study of primary versus recurrent complex fistula-inano. Pa...

BACKGROUND Although many attempts have been made to advance the treatment of complex anal fistula, it continues to be a difficult surgical problem. This study aimed to describe the novel technique of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) and our preliminary experiences using VAAFT with patients with complex anal fistula. MATERIAL AND METHODS From May 2015 to May 2016, 52 patients with c...

AIM Fistula laser closure (FiLaC™) is a novel sphincter-saving procedure for the treatment of anal fistula. Primary closure of the track is achieved using laser energy emitted by a radial fibre connected to a diode laser. The energy causes shrinkage of the tissue around the radial fibre with the aim being to close the track. This pilot study was designed to investigate the safety and effectiven...

AIM To review 12 cases of anovestibular fistula with normal anal opening. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 12 children with anovestibular fistula and normal anal opening were treated between the years 2000 and 2007. Of these, 11 patients were diagnosed as having acquired anovestibular fistula with normal anal opening and were managed by conservative management. RESULTS Most of them present...

Successful eradication of a complicated, recurrent fistula-in-ano with maintenance of anal continence, requires a specialized surgical approach. Mucosal advancement anoplasty is associated with acceptably low rates of recurrence and continence and is reported in this small series of 11 patients where it followed preliminary deployment of a loose guiding and drainage seton. The technique was als...

BACKGROUND On an average 30-50% of patients who undergo incision and drainage (I and D) of anal abscess will develop recurrence or fistula formation. It is claimed that finding the internal orifice of anal abscess to distract the corresponding anal gland duct; will decline the rate of future anal fistula. Surgeons supporting I and D alone claim that finding the internal opening is hazardous. Th...

Since 2007, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for the management of anal fistula was all introduced with initial success and excitement. It remains controversial which surgical procedure is suitable for transsphincteric fistula, especially to complex anal fistula. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the results in patients with recurrent anal fistula by LIFT. A...