Long-Term Outlook after Successful Fibrin Glue Ablation of Cryptoglandular Transsphincteric Fistula-in-Ano

Purpose

Initial success rates for fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas have been disappointing. We examined long-term outcomes after initially successful fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas.

Methods

Retrospective review identified 36 adult patients with cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistula Tisseel VH® fibrin glue ablation that was performed from May 2000 to March 2005. Fibrin glue ablations were performed under supervision of fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons. Follow-up interval was based on time until recurrence of fistula or time of last fistula-free evaluation.

Results

Twenty-four men and 12 women patients had a mean age of 50 (range, 27–85) years. Twenty patients responded to initial fibrin glue ablation treatment. Two additional patients healed with secondary fibrin glue ablation. Sixty-six percent (22/33 patients) of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas were closed at three months. Eleven patients failed fibrin glue ablation at a mean of 33 (range, 6–41) days. Seventeen of 22 short-term success patients (3 months) were available for long-term follow-up. Ninety-four percent (16/17 patients) remained healed at final long-term follow-up. The remaining patient recurred just before the six-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Despite the suboptimal early success rate of fibrin glue ablation for cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas, when a fistula does close for at least six months this appears to be a durable closure. A single patient recurred after appearing healed at the three-month check.