Comparison of Preoperative Endoanal Ultrasonography with Intraoperative Findings for Fistula In Ano

Background  

Fistula in ano is a common benign anal condition seen in surgical practice. If fistula anatomy is incorrectly delineated or an occult abscess is missed, there is a risk of incomplete healing, recurrence of the fistula, or even iatrogenic sphincter injury from surgery resulting in anal incontinence. Therefore, an imaging modality ideally would provide accurate information that can be used to delineate the tract(s) prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) during the preoperative assessment of anal fistula tracts in respect to the type of the fistula, horseshoeing of the tract, and localized collections.