Accuracy of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound in the identification of internal openings of anal fistulas

Objective This prospective study was designed to assess the accuracy of hydrogen peroxide‐enhanced ultrasound in the identification of internal openings of anal fistulas, with surgical findings as the golden standard. Patients and methods A total of 143 consecutive patients (102 men; mean age, 45 years) with fistula‐in‐ano were assessed by hydrogen peroxide‐enhanced ultrasound before surgery involving one radiologist. Ultrasound was performed using a B & K Diagnostic Ultrasound System^? with a 10‐MHz rotating endoprobe. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) was infused into the fistula. All operations were perfomed by the same surgeon who was unaware of results of anal endosonography. Results In 128 (89.5%) patients, an internal opening was identified at surgery. Correct identification of an internal opening endosonographically was recorded in 80 (62.5%) patients. The internal opening was correctly identified by ultrasound in 32% (8/25) of patients with intersphincteric fistulas, in 77% (70/91) with transsphincteric fistulas, and in 17% (2/12) with suprasphincteric fistulas. Conclusion The accuracy of hydrogen peroxide‐enhanced anal endosonography for the identification of internal openings was still insufficient to justify pre‐operative endosonography as a diagnostic method for routine use in patients with fistula‐in‐ano.     

Pre-operative assessment of anal fistulas using endoanal ultrasound

Objective To study the accuracy of endoanal ultrasound in pre‐operative assessment of cryptoglandular anal fistulas, with respect to the site of the internal opening, type and depth of the fistula tract. Patients and methods A consecutive series of 151 patients with anal sepsis underwent pre‐operative endoanal ultrasound assessment of a suspected anal fistula. Hydrogen peroxide was used to define the tract when there was doubt as to the course of the fistula. All patients subsequently had surgical exploration under anaesthesia, irrespective of findings at sonography. The site of the internal opening, depth and type of fistula were recorded at surgery, and concordance with the ultrasound was assessed. Results One hundred and forty‐five patients were subsequently shown to have a fistula at surgical exploration. Type of fistula: Two thirds were transsphincteric (63%) and one third were inter sphincteric (32%), with a few submucosal, and supra sphincteric fistulas. Ultrasound correctly predicted surgical findings in 82% of patients (124/151). Concordance was highest for transsphincteric fistulas (87%). Internal opening: Accuracy of predicting the site of the internal opening was 93% (140/151). The commonest site for the internal opening was the midline posteriorly (49%), followed by the midline anteriorly (25%), the rest lay laterally. Fistula depth: Ultrasound and surgical assessment of the depth of fistulas was concordant in 120 of 145 patients (83%). Conclusions Endoanal ultrasound has a high accuracy of predicting the site of internal opening of an anal fistula. Endoanal ultrasound is able to assess the type and depth of a fistula. This information is useful for pre‐operative planning of fistula treatment.     

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目的 了解经肛门超声内镜检查对内口已经愈合的肛瘘病人内口部位的诊断价值。方法 对临床常规手术未能发现肛瘘内口的12例病人进行超声内镜检查,并进行手术治疗。分析经肛门超声内镜检查对内口已经愈合的肛瘘病人内口部位的诊断价值和超声影像学特点,并与其它常规检查方法比较。结果 内镜超声检查在12例病 人均发现已经愈合的内口的准确位置,准确性优于Goodsall规律、肛门直肠肛门指诊、窦道造影或美蓝注射以及窦道探针探查。结论 经肛瘘外口位置注射美蓝,可方便手术医师快速定位内口。经肛门超声内镜检查是定位已经愈合的肛瘘内口的准确、快速、简单、耐受性好的检查手段。在超声内镜发现内口后,经内镜在内口位置注射美蓝,可方便手术医师快速定位内口。     

The efficacy of anal fistula plug in fistula‐in‐ano: a systematic review

Aims To assess the efficacy of anal fistula plug (AFP) procedure for the treatment of fistula‐in‐ano especially the complex fistulas. Method The database of PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE and COCHRANE LIBRARY for the period 1995–2009 was searched. A systematic analysis was carried to evaluate the success rate of AFP procedure in fistula‐in‐ano. Results A total of 25 studies were extracted and 12 (n = 317) were finally included in the systematic review. The follow‐up period ranged from 3.5 to 12 months. The AFP procedure had a success rate (patient cure rate) ranging from 24% to 92%. In complex fistula‐in‐ano in prospective studies (8/12 studies), the success rate was 35–87%. The success rate in patients with Crohn’s disease was 29–86%. The success rate in the patients with single tracts was 44–93% and in patients with multiple tracts, success ranged from 20% to 71%. The abscess formation/sepsis rate was 4–29% (11/108) and the plug extrusion rate was 4–41% (42/232–19%). Conclusion Anal fistula plug procedure has a success rate ranging from 24% to 92% in different studies. In prospective studies of complex fistula‐in‐ano, there was a moderate success rate of 35–87%. As AFP is associated with low morbidity and sepsis, it appears to be a safe procedure. Further randomized controlled trials studying objective parameters of fistula healing are needed to substantiate these findings.     

The anal fistula claw: the OTSC clip for anal fistula closure

Aim Surgical closure of high or complex anal fistulae is often a difficult challenge. A special Nitinol clip, the OTSC clip (Ovesco AG), was evaluated for fistula closure in a porcine model. Method A total of 20 fistulae were created in 10 animals by seton insertion. Four weeks after fistula induction the setons were removed: one internal fistula opening per animal was left untreated as control whereas the other opening was closed by the OTSC clip using a specially developed transanal clip applicator. The safety and technical feasibility of the clip application were tested. Another 4 weeks later, fistulae were macroscopically assessed for closure. For histological examination, the anorectum including the fistula tract was excised en bloc. Results Four weeks after clip placement, all external and internal fistula openings were macroscopically closed. The clip application site presented with an increased scarring. Microscopically, 40% of residual tracts and a more intense chronic inflammation were seen in the untreated control fistulae. After clip placement, 10% of the fistulae persisted associated with a higher density of collagen fibres indicating a better fistula scarring and healing. No unexpected side‐effects or complications caused by the clip were observed. Conclusion Fistula closure using the OTSC clip represents a promising sphincter‐preserving minimally invasive procedure. This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the ‘anal fistula claw’ for fistula closure. In spite of limitations of the porcine model the results justify clinical applications and further investigations.     

多层螺旋CT联合瘘管造影对肛瘘的术前评价

目的探讨瘘管造影后多层螺旋CT(multi-slice computed tomography,MSCT)在肛瘘术前评价中的价值。方法术前对27例怀疑肛瘘的患者瘘管造影后行MSCT平扫及三维重建,其中13例行增强扫描,并与手术或随访结果对照。结果27例中手术证实肛瘘23例,4例临床随访为肛周感染破溃,MSCT诊断3例为单纯性肛瘘,20例为复杂性肛瘘,4例未发现肛瘘。MSCT正确分级:1级肛瘘3例,2级肛瘘18例,另2例3级肛瘘误诊为2级肛瘘。MSCT对内口及支管评价的敏感度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为60.8%、85.7%、66.7%、93.3%、40.0%以及92%、100%、93.1%、100%和66.7%,对脓肿预测值则均为100%。MSCT三维重建能再现瘘管的形态和走行特点、瘘管与肛管内外括约肌和肛提肌的关系。结论MSCT联合瘘管造影是一种术前评价肛瘘的有效方法。     

肛瘘MRI术前诊断价值与术中结果对照分析

【摘要】〓目的〓探讨术前磁共振(MRI)检查对肛瘘的定位、分型的临床指导意义。方法〓50例肛瘘患者行MRI检查,根据MRI所见,定位瘘道位置,依据窦道与肛门内外括约肌关系进行分型,并与术中所见结果相对照。结果〓手术证实50例患者中,30例为单纯性肛瘘,20例为复杂性肛瘘。括约肌间型20例,经括约肌型12例,括约肌上型6例,括约肌外型3例,表浅型9例。原发性瘘管72个,内口78个,外口77个,肛周脓肿17个。MRI诊断原发瘘管、内口、肛周脓肿的灵敏度分别为93.1%、96.2%、100%,特异度分别为91.5%、97.5%、91.3%。结论〓MRI可准确地判断肛瘘的分型、瘘管数量、走行、支管、内口的位置及有无肛周脓肿形成,为临床手术治疗提供重要指导信息。     

Anography: a technique for determining the location of the internal opening in perianal fistula

Aim Anography is a radiological investigation for fistula‐in‐ano that identifies the primary fistula track through the internal opening. The efficacy of anography as a radiological method of identifying the location of the internal opening was investigated. Method A retrospective study of 50 patients with a clinical diagnosis of fistula‐in‐ano of criptoglandular aetiology was performed. During anography, the location of the internal opening was recorded with respect to the quadrant of anal canal and distance from the anal verge. These data were compared with the findings during examination under anaesthesia (EUA), which was used as the gold standard for the identification of the internal opening. Results The sensitivity of anography for identifying a patent internal opening was 91% and specificity 100%. There was complete agreement between anography reports and findings at EUA regarding the quadrant of anal canal in which the internal opening was located. In more than 90% of patients, the internal opening was found at EUA within 1 cm from the site described on anography. Conclusion Anography is an accurate test for predicting the exact quadrant of the anal canal in which the internal opening is located, as well as the distance of the internal opening from the anal verge. This inexpensive and simple radiological investigation should be the test of first choice in the evaluation of patients with fistula‐in‐ano when difficulty is anticipated in identifying the internal opening.     

Endorectal advancement flap with muscular plication: a modified technique for rectovaginal fistula repair

Aim Endorectal advancement flap is the most used treatment for acquired rectovaginal fistula but is liable to failure. We describe our experience with a modified technique. Method Patients were included who had an acquired rectovaginal fistula. Exclusions included patients with Crohn’s disease with proctitis, malignant or radiation‐related fistula, stricture of the anorectum or those with an external sphincter defect. Surgery included closure of the internal opening with a figure‐of‐eight reabsorbable suture, plication of the anorectal muscular layer and mucosal flap advancement. Total parenteral nutrition was administered postoperatively for seven days. Results Between March 2003 and July 2008, 23 consecutive women (mean age 45.5 [28–78] years) were treated. The cause of fistulation included obstetric injury (n = 5), cryptoglandular disease (n = 11) and Crohn’s disease (n = 7). Thirteen (57%) patients had a previous failed repair. At a mean follow‐up of 14 (2–67) months, success was achieved in 65% (15/23) of patients. The mean Wexner incontinence scores pre‐ and postoperatively were 1.3 (0–15) and 0.6 (0–6), respectively. Conclusion The success rate was promising with no deterioration of anal continence.     

Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult sphincter injury and abnormal sphincter function

Objective The pathogenesis of chronic anal fissure (CAF) remains incompletely understood but most are associated with a high resting anal pressure and reduced perfusion at the fissure site. To date, no major distinction has been made between anterior and posterior anal fissures and their aetiology and treatment. We compared anterior and posterior fissures in patients who have failed to respond to medical treatment with respect to their underlying aetiology, anal canal pressures and sphincter muscle integrity. Method Seventy consecutive patients (54 female:16 male) with a symptomatic CAF and 39 normal controls (19 female:20 male) without evidence of significant ano‐rectal pathology were prospectively assessed by manometry and anal endosonography. Results Anterior anal fissures were identified in a younger age group [33 years (IQR 26–37) vs 41 years (IQR 36–52)] and predominantly in women. Anterior fissure patients were significantly more likely to have underlying external anal sphincter defects compared with posterior fissures [OR 10.9 (95% CI 3.4–35.4)]. Maximum resting pressure was not significantly elevated for anterior fissures compared with controls (P = 0.316) but was significantly elevated in posterior fissures (P = 0.005). The maximum squeeze pressure was significantly lower in the anterior fissure group [167 cmH₂O (IQR 126–196) vs 205 cmH₂O (IQR 174–262), P = 0.004]. A history of obstetric trauma was significantly associated with anterior fissure location [OR 13.9 (95% CI 3.4–55.7)]. Conclusions Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult external anal sphincter injury and impaired external anal sphincter function compared with posterior fissures. These findings have implications for treatment, especially if a definitive procedure, such as lateral internal sphincterotomy, is considered.     

The value of routine histopathological analysis in patients with fistula in‐ano

Objective To determine the positive yield of routine histopathology in patients undergoing surgery for fistula in‐ano. Method Histopathology reports of all the patients who underwent surgery for fistulae‐in‐ano over a period of 36 months were reviewed. Results Analysis included 84 patients of which 73 (87%) were male subjects. The mean age was 39.4 years (range 11–68). Forty‐one (49%) had recurrent fistulae. Granulomatous diseases such as Crohn’s disease and tuberculosis (TB) were suspected in six patients. However, of the six patients, confirmation of the disease status was obtained only in three patients: stains for acid‐fast bacilli confirmed TB in two (2.4%) patients and colonoscopy and biopsy confirmed Crohn’s disease in one (1.2%) patient. All three patients had recurrent fistulae. Conclusion As the positive yield of routine histopathology is minimal, we do not recommend routine histopathology for fistula in‐ano, except for those presenting with recurrent fistulae and those with clinical suspicion of an underlying disease such as TB, HIV or Crohn’s disease.     

MR Imaging of Fistula in Ano: Indications and Contribution to Surgical Assessment

Background : Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for fistula in ano. The purpose of this study was to analyse the use of MRI, and to assess its contribution towards the assessment of this sometimes difficult condition.

Methods : A retrospective analysis of all patients with fistula in ano between January 2003 and December 2007 was performed, focussing on those who had MRI assessment. The primary pathology, indication for MRI and the contribution of this investigation to assessment of fistula in ano were analysed.

Results : MRI was performed in 40 patients. The primary pathologies included: perianal sepsis in 20 (50%), Crohn’s disease in 11 (27.5%), primary fistula in ano in 6 (15%) and others in 3 (7.5%) patients. Indications for MRI were to assess the fistula anatomy in 17 (42.5%), to assess a clinically suspected fistula in 12 (30%), to assess a complex fistula found at Examination Under Anaesthesia (EUA) in 6 (15%) and to exclude a fistula in 5 (12.5%). MRI was considered helpful in 34 (85%) of all cases. MRI established the fistula anatomy and guided further surgery in 47.1%, correlated with EUA findings in 38.2% and excluded a suspected fistula in 14.7% of these.

Conclusions : This study further supports the benefit of using MRI to assess fistula in ano. When used in selected patients, it was of benefit in 85% of cases, by establishing fistula anatomy and guiding further surgery, correlating EUA findings or excluding a clinically suspected fistula.     

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目的探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)平扫、增强并结合瘘管造影对肛瘘进行定位诊断的临床应用价值。方法2004年7月至2006年5月间温州医学院附属第一医院对32例临床疑诊为肛瘘的病人使用16层螺旋CT扫描和瘘管造影。原始图像采用多平面重建(MPR)和容积重建(VR)技术进行三维重建,后处理图像由放射科专业医生完成。将术前获取的影像学资料与显微肛瘘手术和随访结果进行比较。结果MSCT上4例未发现肛瘘,5例为单纯性肛瘘,23例为复杂性肛瘘,均经过手术证实,肛肠专科检查将8例复杂性肛瘘误诊为单纯性肛瘘。MSCT上低位肛瘘6例,高位肛瘘22例,均经过手术证实,其中肛肠专科检查将8例高位肛瘘误诊为低位肛瘘,MSCT上3例括约肌外瘘误诊为括约肌上瘘。MSCT对术前内口、支管、脓腔评价的准确率分别为62.1%、89.3%、100.0%。MSCT后处理重建技术中,MPR包括曲面重建(CPR)可清晰显示瘘管的具体位置及其与肛管内外括约肌、肛提肌的关系,VR能三维再现瘘管的形态和走行特点。结论MSCT平扫、增强并结合瘘管造影是一种有效而可靠的对肛瘘进行定位诊断的检查方法,可以为手术提供有效依据。     

经阴道宫颈剪切波弹性成像预测早产

目的观察经阴道宫颈剪切波弹性成像对早产的预测价值。方法选取接受常规产前超声检查的140名孕妇,于孕18～24周经阴道超声测量宫颈管长度,而后启用剪切波弹性成像测量宫颈内口前唇、后唇及宫颈外口前唇、后唇弹性值。追踪妊娠结局,以妊娠满28周、不足37周分娩为早产标准分为早产及足月产,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析宫颈管长度及宫颈弹性值对早产的预测价值。结果 140名孕妇中,2例因母胎因素于37周前终止妊娠,1例失访,均予以排除,最终纳入137名;其中24名早产(早产组),113名足月产(足月产组),组间宫颈管长度及宫颈内口前唇、后唇及外口前唇弹性值差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05),宫颈外口后唇弹性值差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。ROC曲线结果显示,宫颈内口前唇、宫颈内口后唇弹性值及宫颈管长度预测早产的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.87、0.86和0.73,宫颈内口前唇或后唇联合宫颈管长度预测早产的AUC均为0.88。结论经阴道宫颈剪切波弹性成像可用于预测早产。     

Outpatient department repair of urethrocutaneous fistulae using n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA): a single-centre experience

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Cyanoacrylates are tissue glues which polymerize when getting in contact with blood or water, creating a tight closure. It is usually used as octyl or butyl‐cyanoacrylate, and in pediatric age it is applied to close tension free wounds, and it is as an alternative to conventional sutures. Its applications are in the management of low fistula‐in‐ano, or in the treatment of ano‐rectal fistula; other uses include endoscopic treatment in the first episode of variceal bleeding, sutureless circumcision, and the closure of laparoscopic trocar site wounds. Lapointe SP et al. had applied n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate glue to repair “early fistulae” which occurred after urethroplasty with a good result. Our experience emphasizes that n‐butyl cyanoacrylate may be applied to repair, not only “early fistulae”, but also the long standing ones with good results.

OBJECTIVES

? To evaluate urethrocutaneous fistula repair after urethroplasty using n‐butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in an outpatient setting. ? To compare results of application of NBCA in ‘early’ and long‐standing fistulae.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? From January 2003 to December 2006, 13 children (mean age 36 months) were treated in our Outpatient Department for urethrocutaneous fistula, which occurred after hypospadias repair. ? We analysed the data dividing the patients in two groups: group A comprised six children (mean age 22.6 months) that developed a fistula within 2–3 days of catheter removal after urethroplasty (‘early’ fistula) and group B comprised seven children (mean age 42.6 months) with long‐standing fistulae. ? In all patients, a multilayer of NBCA was applied, attaching the edges of the fistula taking care to perform a scarification of the edges of the fistula in patients in group B before the application of the glue.

RESULTS

? Four patients in group A and three patients in group B had definitive fistula repair (seven of 13), and six of the 13 had fistula recurrence. ? Fistulae of ≤2 mm were more easily repaired than fistulae of >2 mm (five of seven vs two of six). ? Fistulae that tended to recover were those that responded to the first applications.

CONCLUSIONS

? In this experience the use of NBCA as a minimally invasive treatment for fistula repair gave good results for repairing fistulae. ? These preliminary results encourage the use of NBCA as a first non‐surgical attempt to repair urethrocutaneous fistulae especially if the fistula is ≤2 mm. ? The failure of this procedure does not compromise a possible subsequent surgical repair.     

Endoscopic management of pancreatic fistulas secondary to intraabdominal operation

Background: Pancreatic fistulas may arise secondary to several disorders of the pancreas. Although ~70% of pancreatic fistulas close with nonoperative management, this course of treatment usually takes several weeks or even months. To reduce this long period, closures with fibrin glue have been attempted in the past. In this study, we describe the course, management, and outcome of eight patients with postoperative external pancreatic fistulas of the pancreatic body and tail that arose after oncologic operations in the upper abdomen. Methods: All eight cases were treated by external drainage, insertion of an endoprosthesis into the pancreatic duct, and closure of the fistula with fibrin glue. Results: Immediately after this intervention, secretion from the fistulas was absent in all cases. None of the patients developed abscesses, recurrent fistulas, or complications associated with the fibrin glue. Conclusion: The early endoscopic management of postoperative pancreatic fistula with an approach combining internal drainage of the pancreatic duct and external occlusion of the fistula with fibrin glue is expeditious and beneficial.     

Seton drainage and fibrin glue injection for complex anal fistulas

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin glue in the treatment of complex anal fistula. Method Thirty consecutive patients with a complex anal fistula underwent glue instillation after an 8 week period of seton drainage. Cure was defined as complete closure of any secondary opening, absence of fistula seepage, and no abscess formation. Results The mean age of the patients (15 males) was 40.5 (range, 22.8–69.1) years. The mean duration of follow‐up was 11.7 (range, 0.2–33.5) months. Complete closure of the fistula was achieved in 17 patients at 1 month but in two patients a delayed abscess occurred. At the end of follow‐up, 15 (50%) patients were considered to have been cured. The success rate was no different in cases of Crohn’s disease or when postoperative antibiotic therapy was given. There was, however, a significant difference in success following regional vs general anaesthesia (68.4 vs 18.2% success, P = 0.02). Conclusion Fibrin glue cured 50% of our first 30 patients, and regional anaesthesia was predictive of success.     

Surgery for fistula-in-ano: an audit of practise of colorectal and general surgeons.

Objective Some conditions, previously managed by general surgeons, may be treated more successfully by colorectal specialists. This argument is well established for rectal cancer but does it also apply to benign conditions? This study compares the treatment strategies and outcomes for fistulae‐in‐ano by general and colorectal surgeons in a district general hospital. Method Patients who had surgery for fistula‐in‐ano from January 1992–October 2003 were identified from theatre records. Case notes were reviewed for data on type of fistula, aetiology, surgery performed and recurrence. All patients were sent a questionnaire requesting details of recurrence and incontinence. The severity of incontinence was assessed using the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQOLS) and the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Results Eighty four patients (male = 53) were identified. Colorectal surgeons performed surgery in 34 and general surgeons in 50 patients. These groups were comparable with terms of age, gender, aetiology (colorectal: IBD = 5, cryptoglandular = 21: general IBD = 14, cryptoglandular = 24; P = 0.28; Chi‐squared test), and type of fistulae (colorectal: inter‐sphincteric = 20, trans‐sphincteric = 13: general inter‐sphincteric = 30, trans‐sphincteric = 18: P = 1.0; Fisher's exact test). Colorectal surgeons carried out fewer fistulotomies (47.1%vs 84.0%; P < 0.001; Fisher's exact test), more staged fistulotomies with Setons (44.1%vs 10.0%: P < 0.001; Fisher's exact test), and had fewer recurrences (9.7%vs 30.0%: P < 0.05; Fisher's exact test) when compared with general surgeons. Five patients with recurrence from the general surgery group were subsequently referred to the colorectal surgeons; four patients had further surgery (fistulotomy = 2; staged fistulotomy = 2) with no recurrence to date; one patient required proctectomy. Forty seven (64.4%) patients answered the questionnaire. There was no difference between patients operated on by colorectal or general surgeons with regards the frequency (43.5%vs 62.5%: P = 0.25; Fisher's exact test) or severity [FISI 26 (21–38); median (inter‐quartile range) vs 26 (17–38); median (inter‐quartile range: P = 0.85; Mann–Whitney test) of faecal incontinence. There was no difference between the groups with regards any of the four scales that comprised the FIQOLS. Conclusions The number of included patients is far too low to draw any conclusions but there were some interesting trends. For similar patient samples, colorectal surgeons seem to adopt a more conservative approach and have fewer recurrences than general surgeons. These differences are not reflected in the frequency or severity of postoperative incontinence.     

Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound for diagnosis of perianal fistulas: Reliable and objective technique

AIM: To evaluate accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) as compared to 2D-EAUS and physical examination (PE) in diagnosis of perianal fistulas and correlate with intraoperative findings.METHODS: A prospective observational consecutive study was performed with patients included over a two years period. All patients were studied and operated on by the Colorectal Unit surgeons. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18, diagnosed with a criptoglandular perianal fistula. The PE, 2D-EAUS and 3D-EAUS was performed preoperatively by the same colorectal surgeon at the outpatient clinic prior to surgery and the fistula anatomy was defined and they were classified in intersphincteric, high or low transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric. Special attention was paid to the presence of a secondary tract, the location of the internal opening (IO) and the site of external opening. The results of these different examinations were compared to the intraoperative findings. Data regarding location of the IO, primary tract, secondary tract, and the presence of abscesses or cavities was analysed.RESULTS: Seventy patients with a mean age of 47 years (range 21-77), 51 male were included. Low transsphincteric fistulas were the most frequent type found (33, 47.1%) followed by high transsphincteric (24, 34.3%) and intersphincteric fistulas (13, 18.6%). There are no significant differences between the number of IO diagnosed by the different techniques employed and surgery (P > 0.05) and, there is a good concordance between intraoperative findings and the 2D-EAUS (k = 0.67) and 3D-EAUS (k = 0.75) for the diagnosis of the primary tract. The ROC curves for the diagnosis of transsphincteric fistulas show that both ultrasound techniques are adequate for the diagnosis of low transsphincteric fistulas, 3D-EAUS is superior for the diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistulas and PE is weak for the diagnosis of both types.CONCLUSION: 3D-EAUS shows a higher accuracy than 2D-EAUS for assessing height of primary tract in transsphincteric fistulas. Both techniques show a good concordance with intraoperative finding for diagnosis of primary tracts.     

Anal fistula and pilonidal sinus disease coexisting simultaneously: An audit in a cohort of 1284 patients

Fistula‐in‐ano and pilonidal disease are not known to occur together. In a retrospective study, all patients having fistula‐pilonidal disease coexisting simultaneously were included. Out of 1284 patients, 933 were operated (fistula‐in‐ano, 849; pilonidal disease, 77; and coexisting fistula‐pilonidal, 7). A total of 351 patients did not undergo any surgery (two patients had coexisting fistula‐pilonidal). Thus, a total of nine patients having coexisting fistula‐pilonidal sinus were included in the study (mean age 35.8 ± 19.9 years, M/F 7/2). pIn 6/9 patients, the pilonidal tract was communicating with fistula‐in‐ano, and in 3/9 patients, they were not communicating/connected. The connection could be established preoperatively with the help of MRI. In all patients with communicating fistula‐pilonidal sinus (n=6), the fistula was posterior. 6/9 patients had recurrent fistula and all (9/9) had multiple tracts. The fistula was high and complex in 8/9 patients (grade IV‐7, grade V‐1). 4/9 patients tested positive for tuberculosis while one patient was suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa. The latter improved on medical treatment. One patient did not agree for surgery and seven were operated. The disease healed in four patients, the disease did not heal in one patient, and two patients were in the convalescent stage. Anal fistula and pilonidal disease can coexist in a same patient and can even be connected. Such diseases are more complex and have a higher incidence of associated diseases like tuberculosis. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosis. If the connection is missed, the disease treatment becomes difficult.