BACKGROUND: Ligation of the intersphincteric tract (LIFT), a novel sphincter-saving technique, has been recently described with promising results. Literature data are still scant. In this prospective observational study, we present our experience with this technique. METHODS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 18 patients with 'complex' fistulas underwent LIFT. All patients were enrolled in the study after a physical examination including digital examination and proctoscopy. For the purpose of this pilot study, fistulas were classified as complex if any of the following conditions were present: tract crossing more than 30% of the external sphincter, anterior fistula in a woman, recurrent fistula or pre-existing incontinence. Endpoints were healing time, presence of recurrence, faecal incontinence and surgical complications. RESULTS: Ten patients were men and 8 were women; mean age was 39 years; minimum follow-up was 4 months. Three patients required drainage seton insertion and delayed LIFT. After LIFT, 1 patient experienced haemorrhoidal thrombosis. At the end of the follow-up, 15 patients (83%) healed with no recurrence. Three patients had persistent symptoms and required further surgical treatment. We did not observe postoperative worsening of continence. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our pilot study indicate that this novel sphincter-saving approach is effective and safe for treating complex anal fistula.
BACKGROUND: Ligation of the intersphincteric tract (LIFT), a novel sphincter-saving technique, has been recently described with promising results. Literature data are still scant. In this prospective observational study, we present our experience with this technique. METHODS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 18 patients with 'complex' fistulas underwent LIFT. All patients were enrolled in the study after a physical examination including digital examination and proctoscopy. For the purpose of this pilot study, fistulas were classified as complex if any of the following conditions were present: tract crossing more than 30% of the external sphincter, anterior fistula in a woman, recurrent fistula or pre-existing incontinence. Endpoints were healing time, presence of recurrence, faecal incontinence and surgical complications. RESULTS: Ten patients were men and 8 were women; mean age was 39 years; minimum follow-up was 4 months. Three patients required drainage seton insertion and delayed LIFT. After LIFT, 1 patient experienced haemorrhoidal thrombosis. At the end of the follow-up, 15 patients (83%) healed with no recurrence. Three patients had persistent symptoms and required further surgical treatment. We did not observe postoperative worsening of continence. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our pilot study indicate that this novel sphincter-saving approach is effective and safe for treating complex anal fistula.
Authors: Mark H Whiteford; John Kilkenny; Neil Hyman; W Donald Buie; Jeffrey Cohen; Charles Orsay; Gary Dunn; W Brian Perry; C Neal Ellis; Jan Rakinic; Sharon Gregorcyk; Paul Shellito; Richard Nelson; Joe J Tjandra; Graham Newstead Journal: Dis Colon Rectum Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 4.585
Authors: Jennifer Y Wang; Julio Garcia-Aguilar; Jeffrey A Sternberg; Michael E Abel; Madhulika G Varma Journal: Dis Colon Rectum Date: 2009-04 Impact factor: 4.585