Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for complex fistula in ano at a tertiary care centre in Northern India: A 3-year prospective study
Background: An anal fistula is an abnormal pathological tract between the anal canal and the perianal skin which primarily originates from the crypto-glandular infection. The estimated prevalence of anal fistula is 1/10,000 per year and male to female ratio is 1.8:1. Various treatment options availa...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jcls.jcls_54_24 |
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| Summary: | Background:
An anal fistula is an abnormal pathological tract between the anal canal and the perianal skin which primarily originates from the crypto-glandular infection. The estimated prevalence of anal fistula is 1/10,000 per year and male to female ratio is 1.8:1. Various treatment options available are: fistulotomy, application of fibrin glue, endorectal advancement flap, fistula plug, VAAFT (video-assisted technique) and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT). Every procedure has its own merits and demerits which need to be evaluated. The study aimed to assess the results of LIFT technique for the patients with complex anal fistulas.
Methods:
This was a prospective study conducted over a period of three years from May 2015 to April 2018. All patients with complex anal fistulas meeting inclusion criteria were subjected to LIFT technique Patients were followed for a period of 36 weeks.
Results:
Thirty-six patients, age ranging 21- 67 years underwent LIFT procedure. Success rate was 86% with 14% recurrence rate and no postoperative anal sphincter incontinence.
Conclusion:
LIFT is a sphincter preserving, simple and cost-effective procedure for complex fistula in ano. It is a viable option and should be considered in complex fistulas due to its high healing rate and very low incidence of faecal incontinence. However, further larger randomised studies are needed before marking it as the procedure of choice for complex fistula in ano. |
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| ISSN: | 2468-6859 2408-7408 |