Perianal Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: This study relates our experience with local surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease. METHOD: Of 1,735 patients with Crohn's disease seen between 1980 and 1990, records of 66 patients (3.8 percent) with symptomatic perianal Crohn's disease treated by local operations were retrospectively reviewed to study outcome of local surgical intervention. RESULTS: All patients had intestinal disease that was limited to the colon in 32 patients (48 percent), ileocolonic region in 22 patients (33 percent), and ileum in 12 patients (18 percent). Types of perianal disease encountered included perianal suppuration (57), anal fistula (47), anal fissure (21), anal stenosis (5), gluteal abscess (3), scrotal abscess (2), and anovaginal fistula (2). A total of 321 episodes of anal complications necessitated 256 local surgical interventions. Local anorectal operations performed included simple incision and drainage of abscess (57), fistulotomy (35), incision and drainage of complex anorectal abscesses and fistulas and insertion of seton (24), internal sphincterotomy (6), fissurectomy (1), and anal dilation (3). Of 24 patients with horseshoe abscesses and fistulas managed with insertion of a seton and 35 patients who underwent fistulotomy as a primary procedure or in conjunction with drainage of an abscess, none experienced fecal incontinence as a direct result of the operation. Thirteen patients required proctectomy to control perianal disease, and a similar number underwent total proctocolectomy for extensive intestinal disease. Forty patients (61 percent) continue to retain a functional anus. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic low anal fistula involving minimum sphincter musculature can be treated safely with fistulotomy. In treatment of patients with horseshoe abscesses and high fistulas, aggressive local surgical intervention using a seton permits preservation of the sphincter and good postoperative function.Poster presentation at the meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association, Digestive Disease Week, San Diego, California, May 14 to 17, 1995.     

Fistula-in-ano in Crohn's disease

The outcome of aggressive surgical treatment of 64 symptomatic anal fistulas in 55 patients with Crohn's disease has been studied. Forty-one fistulas, in 33 patients, were treated by conventional fistulotomy (17 subcutaneous, 19 intersphincteric, 5 low transsphincteric fistulas). Thirty wounds (73 percent) healed within 3 months and eight more wounds (93 percent) healed within 6 months. Three wounds did not heal within 12–18 months. Two of these patients subsequently required proctocolectomy. Wound healing was not influenced by the presence of rectal Crohn's disease or granulomatous inflammation in the tract. No change in continence was experienced by 26 of the 33 patients who underwent fistulotomy. Three patients required proctocolectomy and the remaining four patients experienced minor degrees of incontinence postoperatively. Sixteen high transsphincteric, five suprasphincteric, and one extrasphincteric fistula in 22 patients were treated by laying open external tracts and placing a noncutting seton through the sphincter, which was left in place for prolonged periods to maintain drainage. During follow-up (6 months to 10 years, median 2.5 years), three fistulas healed and seven remained quiescent. Nine patients required further treatment by a new seton and three patients required proctocolectomy. Eight of the 22 patients who had a seton inserted had no change in continence, and six patients in this group developed minor changes in continence, mostly related to diarrhea associated with intestinal disease. Anal fistulas in Crohn's disease, which involve minimal sphincter muscle, can be successfully treated by fistulotomy. High fistulas should be treated with seton drainage to limit recurrent suppuration and preserve sphincter function.Read at the 89^th meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St Louis, Missouri April 29–May 4 1990.     

Cutting seton for anal fistulas

PURPOSE: Long-term results of cutting seton in the treatment of anal fistulas were studied. METHODS: Of the 44 patients with anal fistulas, mainly of the high variety, managed with this method, 35 (25 men) attended a clinical and manometric follow-up examination on average 70 (range, 28–184) months after operation. Fistula distribution was high transsphincteric (25), low transsphincteric (5), extrasphincteric (3), and suprasphincteric (2). The seton was tightened at one-week to two-week intervals to achieve gradual sphincter division. RESULTS: Time required to achieve complete fistula healing ranged from 37 to 557 (mean, 151) days. Two (6 percent) of the 35 patients reexamined had recurrence of fistula and 22 (63 percent) reported symptoms of minor impairment in anal control, which in four patients had existed already before operation. Anal resting pressures were similar for defective and normal control, but other manometric variables were inferior in incontinence, although total squeeze pressure only showed statistically significant difference from normal continence ( P =0.0345). Incontinence was likely associated with hard and gutter-shaped operation scars in the anal canal, but the difference from normal continence was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Cutting seton yields fairly good results in regard to cure of fistula, but the risk of anal incontinence, despite its minor degree, seems to be too high to recommend its routine use for all high fistulas. The suprasphincteric fistulas and some extrasphincteric fistulas are difficult to treat otherwise, but especially for high transsphincteric fistulas, other methods of treatment (preferably those in which sphincter division can be avoided and the risk of anal canal deformity and incontinence are minimized) are advocated.No reprints are available.     

Role of the seton in the management of anorectal fistulas

PURPOSE: To identify the incidence of major fecal incontinence and recurrence after staged fistulotomy using a seton. METHODS: A five-year retrospective chart review of 116 patients (70 males and 46 females) ranging in age from 18 to 81 years (mean, 42 years), in whom setons were placed as part of a surgical procedure for anorectal fistulas, was carried out. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 61 months (mean, 23 months). RESULTS: Setons were employed to identify and promote fibrosis around a complex anorectal fistula as part of a staged fistulotomy in 65 patients (56 percent). Other indications for seton placement included 24 women with anteriorly situated high transsphincteric fistulas (21 percent) and three patients with massive anorectal sepsis (floating, freestanding anus) (2.5 percent). In addition, setons were used to preclude premature skin closure and promote controlled long-term fistula drainage in 21 patients with severe anorectal Crohn's disease (18 percent) and in three patients with AIDS (2.5 percent). Major fecal incontinence (requiring the use of a perineal pad) occurred in five patients (5 percent), and recurrent fistulas were noted in three (3 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Staged fistulotomy using a seton is a safe and effective method of treating high or complicated anorectal fistulas.     

Anal fistula surgery

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess results of surgery for fistula-in-ano and identify risk factors for fistula recurrence and impaired continence. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 624 patients who underwent surgery for fistula-in-ano between 1988 and 1992. Follow-up was by mailed questionnaire, with 375 patients (60 percent) responding. Mean follow-up was 29 months. Fistulas were intersphincteric in 180 patients, transsphincteric in 108, suprasphincteric in 6, extrasphincteric in 6, and unclassified in 75. Procedures included fistulotomy and marsupialization (n=300), seton placement (n=63), endorectal advancement flap (n=3), and other (n=9). Factors associated with recurrence and incontinence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: The fistula recurred in 31 patients (8 percent), and 45 percent complained of some degree of postoperative incontinence. Factors associated with recurrence included complex type of fistula, horseshoe extension, lack of identification or lateral location of the internal fistulous opening, previous fistula surgery, and the surgeon performing the procedure. Incontinence was associated with female sex, high anal fistula, type of surgery, and previous fistula surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of fistula-in-ano is associated with a significant risk of recurrence and a high risk of impaired continence. Degree of risk varies with identifiable factors.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 13, 1994.     

Selected operative management of fistula-in-ano in Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: The operative management of patients with fistula-in-ano in the presence of Crohn's disease has been controversial. Our aim was to review the results of operative treatment in this clinical setting. METHODS: Twenty-eight such patients treated between 1976 and 1990 were reviewed. The duration of local symptoms, location of the Crohn's disease, medications, and previous operations were noted. An effort was made to classify the fistula-in-ano according to Parks' classification, but many fistulas were complicated and did not neatly fit into one of the described categories (intersphincteric 9, transsphincteric 10, complex 9). Patients underwent fistulotomy (three with a seton). RESULTS: Complete healing was achieved in 71.4 percent of cases with an average healing time of 3.5 months (range, 3 weeks-26 months). With an average follow-up of 71 months (range, 12 months-14 years), postoperative function was good in 20 (71.5 percent) patients. Of the remaining eight patients, five ultimately underwent total proctocolectomy because of the severity of their colorectal disease, one patient developed alteration of continence, and two patients developed stenosis. There were two recurrences, (one at nine months and one at six years). CONCLUSION: Operative treatment should be offered to selected patients with fistula-in-ano in the presence of Crohn's disease.Supported by the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital Research Foundation.Read at the Tripartite Colorectal Meeting, Sydney, Australia, October 17 to 20, 1993.     

Perianal abscess in Crohn's disease

PURPOSE: Perianal disease is frequent in patients with Crohn's disease, and many of these patients will eventually have abscess formation. In a prospective follow-up study, we evaluated factors influencing the occurrence and recurrence of perianal abscesses. METHODS: Of 126 consecutive patients with perianal Crohn's disease seen regularly in an outpatient clinic, 61 (48.4 percent) had at least one perianal abscess (mean follow-up, 32±17 months). In all, 110 episodes of an abscess with 145 anatomically distinct abscesses were documented. RESULTS: The occurrence of first abscesses was dependent on the type of anal fistula (ischiorectal, 73 percent; transsphincteric, 50 percent; superficial, 25 percent;P < 0.02). Surgical therapy consisted of seton drainage (34 percent), mushroom catheter drainage (49 percent), or incision and drainage (29 percent) and led to inactivation in all patients. Cumulative two-year recurrence rates after the first and second abscess were 54 and 62 percent, respectively. Abscess recurrence was less frequent in patients with a stoma (13 vs. 60 percent in patients without stoma after two years) and in patients with superficial anal fistulas (0 vs. 55 percent/56 percent in patients with transsphincteric/ischiorectal fistulas). Only two abscesses recurred within one year after removal of seton drainage, whereas 13 abscesses recurred with the seton still in place. Neither intestinal nor rectal activity of Crohn's disease significantly influenced the occurrence of an abscess. During the study period, only two patients developed partial stool incontinence. CONCLUSION: Development of perianal abscesses in Crohn's disease depends on the fecal stream and the anatomic type of anal fistula. Seton and catheter drainage are safe and highly effective in treatment. Long-term use of setons to prevent recurrent abscesses is not supported by our data.     

Conventional cutting vs. internal anal sphincter-preserving seton for high trans-sphincteric fistula: a prospective randomized manometric and clinical trial

Abstract. Background: Cutting setons have been used in complicated perirectal sepsis with good effect, although there is a moderately high incidence of fecal leakage after their use. The aim of this study was to compare a modified cutting seton, which repaired the internal anal sphincter muscle and re-routed the seton through the intersphincteric space, with a conventional cutting seton. Methods: A total of 34 patients were randomized between 1998 and 2002. They were prospectively assessed by continence score and anorectal manometry, and for anal function, clinical sepsis and fistula recurrence. Results: There was no difference in postoperative continence score, incidence of recurrent fistula or healing time between groups after a mean follow-up of 12 months. Resting anal manometric pressures and vector volumes were consistently higher with the modified seton (although not statistically significant), as was the area under the inhibitory curve during elicitation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex across the full sphincter length. (p<0.05). Conclusion: A larger prospective study of internal anal sphincter-preserving seton use in cryptogenic high transshincteric fistula-in-ano appears justified.     

Surgical therapy for rectovaginal fistulas in ulcerative colitis

During a 9-year period, six women with ulcerative colitis (UC) and rectovaginal fistulas were surgically treated. Three underwent ileoanal pull-through procedures with simultaneous repair of the rectovaginal fistulas. Two patients had Kock pouches, and one had a Brooke ileostomy because extensive destruction of the rectal sphincter prohibited ileoanal procedures. The three patients who had ileoanal procedures all had excellent functional results. There has been no evidence of Crohn's disease or fistula recurrence. We believe that rectovaginal fistulas occur more frequently in UC than is generally accepted, and they can be safely managed with current reconstructive techniques.     

Treatment of rectovaginal fistulas that has failed previous repair attempts

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess results of treatment of rectovaginal fistulas (excluding pouch vaginal fistulas) that have failed previous attempts at repair. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with nonhealing rectovaginal fistula was performed. RESULTS: Twenty eight patients with persistent fistulas were identified. In 18 patients the fistula was classified as simple, and in 10 the fistula was complex. Fourteen fistulas were secondary to obstetric injury, five were caused by Crohn's disease, and nine patients had miscellaneous etiologies for their fistulas. Of patients with persistent simple fistulas, 13 (72 percent) of the fistulas healed, 5 after advancement flaps, 5 following sphincteroplasty, and 3 after coloanal anastomoses. Of persistent complex fistulas, only four of ten (40 percent) healed, one following sphincteroplasty, one with coloanal anastomosis, and two after gracilis transposition. A total of 23 advancement flaps were done in 17 patients with five fistulas healing (29 percent). Sphincteroplasty and fistulectomy was successful in six of seven patients (86 percent). Coloanal anastomosis resulted in healing of four of six patients (67 percent) in whom it was attempted. Gracilis muscle transfer was successful in two of two patients (100 percent). CONCLUSION: Persistent rectovaginal fistula presents a difficult management problem. Choice of operation must be tailored to the underlying pathology and type of repair previously done. Advancement flap repair is generally not recommended for persistent complex fistulas or for simple fistulas that have failed a previous advancement flap repair.Dr. MacRae was supported in part by the Wigston Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 7 to 12, 1995.     

Delayed repair of obstetric injuries of the anorectum and vagina

PURPOSE: We categorized the various types of postobstetric injuries of the anorectum and vagina encountered in a five-year period. The operative procedures used to repair these injuries and the functional outcome after surgery were assessed. METHODS: Between 1986 and 1991, 52 patients were surgically treated for obstetric injuries of the anorectum and vagina; 48 patients were available for follow-up study. Four clinical injury types were identified: Type I, incontinent anal sphincter (11 patients); Type II, rectovaginal fistula (16 patients); Type III, rectovaginal fistula and incontinent anal sphincter (11 patients); and Type IV, cloaca-like defect (10 patients). The mean age of the patients was 30 years, the mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 13 months, and the mean follow-up period was 16 months. The major component of surgical repair for each injury type was: Type I, overlap repair of external anal sphincter; Type II, rectal mucosal advancement flap; Type III, overlap repair of external anal sphincter and rectal mucosal advancement flap; and Type IV, overlap repair of external anal sphincter, anterior levatorplasty, and anal and vaginal mucosal reconstruction. Fecal diversion was not performed in any patient. Specific questions were asked at the most recent follow-up assessment to determine results. RESULTS: Continence status postoperatively was classified as perfect, impaired, or poor; poor was defined as no improvement or worse. Postoperative continence (perfect, impaired, or poor) was, respectively: Type I (11 patients), 64 percent, 36 percent, and 0 percent; Type II (16 patients), 56 percent, 0 percent, and 44 percent; Type III (11 patients), 64 percent, 36 percent, and 0 percent; and Type IV (10 patients), 90 percent, 10 percent, and 0 percent. Vaginal discharge of stool was eliminated in all patients with a rectovaginal fistula. Subjectively, 92 percent of the patients had excellent or good results. Complications included wound hematoma (n=2), fecal impaction (n=2), urinary retention (n=1), and urinary tract infection (n=1). CONCLUSION: Patients with Type II injuries had the worst results (P < 0.001). These patients should be evaluated for anal incontinence before surgery to assess the need for a concomitant sphincteroplasty.     

Excision of anal fistula with closure of the internal opening: functional and manometric results

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results concerning recurrence and continence after sphincter-saving surgery for fistula-in-ano. METHODS: Forty-two patients with anal fistula traversing the sphincter were operated on with fistula excision and closure of the internal opening. Patients answered a questionnaire concerning bowel habits and continence before and 3 and 12 months after surgery. A subgroup of 19 patients were also examined with anal manometry. RESULTS: Twenty-three (55 percent) patients healed primarily after surgery and a further 10 (24 percent) after one reoperation, whereas 7 (17 percent) required 2 to 4 reoperations until healed. In two patients therapy was changed to cutting seton treatment. After 1 year 21 of 36 (58 percent) patients reported improved or unaffected continence and 11 (31 percent) reported a slight and 4 (11 percent) a major decrease in continence. Detailed data on preoperative continence were missing for five patients, and one had a colostomy at late follow-up. Anal manometry showed a significant decrease in resting pressure after three months and a further decrease in both resting and squeeze pressures after one year. CONCLUSION: Surgery for anal fistula with excision and advancement flap has a fairly high initial recurrence rate but a good final success rate. A decrease in continence is seen also after this kind of surgery for anal fistula. Manometric results suggest that this is associated with an impaired internal anal sphincter function.     

Operative repair of anovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas

PURPOSE: Operative repair of low rectovaginal fistulas should be tailored to the specific anatomic defect. Endoanal flap repair frequently provides successful fistula closure; however, if substantial injury to the perineal body, anal sphincter, or rectovaginal septum exists, a more extensive repair is required. We present our experience with 95 consecutive patients, operated for rectovaginal fistulas via septal repair after conversion to a fourth degree perineal laceration, endoanal flap, or anoperineorrhaphy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed. Data collected included etiology, location, size, repair type, and degree of anal continence. All patients received standard mechanical and antibiotic bowel preparation and parenteral antibiotics. No covering stomas were used. RESULTS: Fistula etiology included obstetric injury (N=77), perianal cryptoglandular infection (N=15), and other (N=3). Thirty-one patients had previous unsuccessful repairs. Types of repairs were fourth degree perineal laceration (38), endoanal flap (19), and anoperineorrhaphy (38). Excellent or good functional results occurred in 92 patients (97 percent). Similar success occurred in patients with previous failed repairs (90 percent excellent or good). The recurrence rate was 3 percent. There were no outcome differences between techniques. CONCLUSION: We believe that all three types of repair for rectovaginal fistulas result in a high cure rate, thereby allowing operative technique to be tailored to the anatomic defects present. This approach should allow for optimal functional outcome.Funded by a grant from the Ferguson-Blodgett Research Foundation, Grand Rapids, Michigan.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 13, 1994.     

Long-term analysis of the use of transanal rectal advancement flaps for complicated anorectal/vaginal fistulas

Transanal rectal advancement flap (TRAF) is a surgical option in the management of rectovaginal and other complicated fistulas involving the anorectum. Most reported series have a short follow-up. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the long-term success, safely, applicability, and factors affecting recurrence in patients managed with TRAF, including patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS/MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing endorectal advancement flaps at a single institution between 1988 and 1993 was performed. One hundred one patients were identified (70 percent female; 30 percent male). Included were 52 patients with rectovaginal, 46 with anal perineal, and 3 with rectourethral fistulas. Causes were obstetric injury in 13 patients, Crohn's disease in 47, cryptoglandular in 19, mucosal ulcerative colitis in 7, and surgical trauma or undefined causes in 15 patients. RESULTS: No mortality occurred. Median follow-up was 31 (range, 1–79 months). Immediate failure (within one week of the repair) was seen in 6 percent of patients. Statistically (tP <0.001) higher recurrence rates were observed in patients who had undergone previous repairs. Mean hospital stay was four days. Overall recurrence was seen in 29 patients (29 percent). Seventy-five percent of all recurrences occurred within the first 15 months; however, recurrence was noted for up to 55 months after repair. Etiology of fistula, use of constipating medications, antibiotic use, and most importantly associated Crohn's disease did not statistically affect recurrence rates. Failure rate was only influenced by previous number of repairs. CONCLUSION: TRAF is a safe technique for managing complicated anorectal and rectovaginal fistulas, including patients with Crohn's disease. Long-term follow-up is essential to accurately report recurrence rates.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 7 to 12, 1995.     

Unsuspected sphincter defects shown by anal endosonography after anorectal surgery

PURPOSE: Anorectal surgery can lead to fecal soiling and incontinence. Whether surgery changes the anatomy and causes symptoms is unknown. Anatomic changes can be visualized by anal endosonography. METHODS: We studied 50 patients after hemorrhoidectomy (24), fistulectomy (18), and internal sphincterotomy (8). Symptoms were assessed, and anal endosonography, anal manometry, mucosal electrosensitivity, and neurophysiologic tests were performed. RESULTS: In 23 (46 percent) patients, a defect of the anal sphincter was found (13 patients had an internal sphincter defect, 1 had an external sphincter defect, and 9 had a combined sphincter defect), 3 after hemorrhoidectomy, 13 after fistulectomy, and 7 after internal sphincterotomy. Seven patients had symptoms, and they all had a sphincter defect. In the other 16 of 23 patients (70 percent), the sphincter defect did not produce symptoms. An internal sphincter defect lowered maximum basal pressure and shortened sphincter length. CONCLUSION: Anal endosonography can reveal sphincter defects after anorectal surgery. Seventy percent of the patients in this group had no complaints; therefore, defects were unsuspected. This has clinical implications in the evaluation of patients with fecal incontinence.Read in part at the meeting of The British Society for Gastroenterology, Warwick, United Kingdom, September 15 to 17, 1993.     

Anal manometry improves the outcome of surgery for fistula-in-ano

The aim of this prospective study is to investigate whether anal manometry is useful in orienting the surgical policy and improving the clinical and functional results following surgery for fistula-inano. Anal manometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 96 patients. The results of surgery, in terms of both fecal soiling and recurrence rate, were analyzed and compared with those of another group of 36 subjects. Some operative maneuvers, such as internal sphincterotomy, laying open of the fistula with division of striated muscle, or use of a seton, were carried out according to the preoperative sphincter pattern as shown by anal manometry in the first group. A standard procedure was followed in the control group. The recurrence rate was 3 percent in the anal manometry group and 13 percent in the control group (P<0.01); postoperative soiling occurred in 14 percent of patients in the anal manometry group compared with 31 percent of patients in the control group (P<0.001). The functional results in transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulas, which are usually considered at higher risk for postoperative incontinence, were better in the anal manometry group, due to greater use of the seton. No increase in recurrence rate was observed in these complex fistulas after anal manometry. Internal sphincterotomy led to a disordered continence, mainly when associated with division of striated muscle; a significant decrease in resting tone from 56±22 to 47±50 and voluntary contraction from 114±30 to 85±28 mm Hg (mean ± S) was found after surgery in patients with soiling. In conclusion, the routine use of anal manometry may be recommended in the management of patients with fistula-in-ano as it improves the clinical and functional outcome of surgery. Read at the XIIth Biennial Congress of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Glasgow, Scotland, July 10 to 14, 1988.     

Evaluation of surgery for perianal Crohn's fistulas

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the operative treatments performed on patients with perianal Crohn's disease at a tertiary referral colorectal university hospital and to determine the efficacy of management by assessing patient satisfaction. METHODS: A retrospective survey included 59 patients with perianal Crohn's disease who had undergone surgery during the period of 1991 to 1993, inclusive. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were treated by laying the fistula open (81 percent successful), and another 27 cases were treated with a loose seton (85 percent successful). Five cases were complicated fistulas and underwent diversionary stomas as part of a primary procedure. Overall success rate, as judged by patient satisfaction, was 83 percent. CONCLUSION: Conservative surgery has a role in management of perianal Crohn's disease. Patient satisfaction can be achieved without complete healing. Better preoperative assessment may improve results further.     

New option for recurrent rectovaginal fistulas

PURPOSE: To describe an operative technique for repair of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas. METHODS: A diamondshaped cutaneous flap advancement into the vagina and a standard endoanal advancement flap are described for use as an alternative option in treatment of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas. RESULTS: Complete healing of fistula was achieved with no impairment of continence. CONCLUSION: This technique is suitable in treatment of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas especially in frail and elderly patients.     

Autologous fibrin glue in the treatment of rectovaginal and complex fistulas

This nonrandomized series reports the use of autologous fibrin glue to treat complex rectovaginal and anorectal fistulas. The use of an autologous source to prepare fibrin glue eliminates the risk of disease transmission. Ten patients, six women and four men, with complex fistulas were treated with autologous fibrin glue application. Five patients had rectovaginal fistulas; one of them had Crohn's disease. Five patients had complex anal fistulas; two of them had Crohn's disease, and one had a large postanal ulcer associated with HIV disease. All patients had outpatient preoperative mechanical bowel preparation and prophylactic parenteral antibiotics. Six of the ten patients (60 percent) reported complete healing of the fistulas. Follow-up ranged from three months to one year. Four of five rectovaginal fistulas healed. The two patients with Crohn's disease and complex anal fistulas and the patient with HIV disease did not heal, but all three reported significantly less drainage. Autologous fibrin glue is a viable alternative for the treatment of recurrent rectovaginal and complex abscess/fistulas.     

V-Y Advancement Flap for Treatment of Fistula-In-Ano

PURPOSE: The management of high fistula-in-ano presents a difficult surgical challenge. Laying open of high transsphincteric, intersphincteric, and suprasphincteric fistulas is associated with incontinence. Mucosal advancement flap can be technically difficult and is associated with ectropion and incontinence. We report a new technique for the treatment of fistulas, which may eliminate these problems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2002, 18 patients (13 males), median age 46 (range, 25–64) years with high fistula-in-ano were treated. There were ten transsphincteric, four intersphincteric, and four suprasphincteric fistulas. In all patients, perianal sepsis was allowed to resolve completely with a drainage seton before definitive surgery. The surgical technique used involved core fistulectomy, curettage of any cavity, closure of the defect in the internal anal sphincter, and a V-Y advancement buttock flap to cover the internal opening, leaving the site of the external opening for drainage while preserving both internal and external sphincters. Outcome was assessed in terms of healing and continence. RESULTS: Most patients were discharged from the hospital within 48 hours. Median follow-up was 19 (range, 3–60) months. There were three patients who failed to heal. Of these, two underwent repeat surgery and healed. Two further patients had recurrent fistulas, both of whom continued with conservative treatment. Overall, 15 of 18 (83 percent) patients experienced healing of their fistula. Continence was preserved in all patients. CONCLUSION: This procedure is easy to perform, healing is rapid, and it appears to be effective in curing fistula-in-ano while preserving both external and internal anal sphincters.