Yukihiko Tokunaga1, Hirokazu Sasaki, Tohru Saito. 1. Department of Surgery, Osaka North Japan Post Hospital, 1-1-6 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8798, Japan. clz07030@pop26.odn.ne.jp
Abstract
PURPOSES: We have devised a modified seton technique that resects the external fistula tract while preserving the anal sphincter muscle. This study assessed the technique when used for the management of complex anal fistulas. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2007, 239 patients (208 males and 31 females, median age: 41 years) underwent surgery for complex anal fistulas using the technique. Of the 239 patients, 198 patients had trans-sphincteric fistula and 41 patients had supra-sphincteric fistula. RESULTS: The durations of the surgeries were 17 min (47, 13) [median (range, interquartile range)] for trans-sphincteric fistulas and 38 (44, 16) for supra-sphincteric fistulas. The durations of the surgeries were significantly (P < 0.05) longer for supra-sphincteric fistula than trans-sphincteric fistula. The hospital stays were 4 (13, 2) days and 5 (14, 3) days, respectively, for trans- and supra-sphincteric fistulas. The durations of seton placement until the spontaneous dropping of the seton were 42 (121, 48) and 141 (171, 55) days respectively. The recurrence rate was 0 % in patients with trans-sphincteric fistulas and 4.9 % (2 of 41) in patients with supra-sphincteric fistulas (P < 0.01). Serious incontinence was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique provided favorable results for the treatment of complex anal fistulas and could be safely applied while preserving the sphincter function and conserving fecal continence.
PURPOSES: We have devised a modified seton technique that resects the external fistula tract while preserving the anal sphincter muscle. This study assessed the technique when used for the management of complex anal fistulas. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2007, 239 patients (208 males and 31 females, median age: 41 years) underwent surgery for complex anal fistulas using the technique. Of the 239 patients, 198 patients had trans-sphincteric fistula and 41 patients had supra-sphincteric fistula. RESULTS: The durations of the surgeries were 17 min (47, 13) [median (range, interquartile range)] for trans-sphincteric fistulas and 38 (44, 16) for supra-sphincteric fistulas. The durations of the surgeries were significantly (P < 0.05) longer for supra-sphincteric fistula than trans-sphincteric fistula. The hospital stays were 4 (13, 2) days and 5 (14, 3) days, respectively, for trans- and supra-sphincteric fistulas. The durations of seton placement until the spontaneous dropping of the seton were 42 (121, 48) and 141 (171, 55) days respectively. The recurrence rate was 0 % in patients with trans-sphincteric fistulas and 4.9 % (2 of 41) in patients with supra-sphincteric fistulas (P < 0.01). Serious incontinence was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique provided favorable results for the treatment of complex anal fistulas and could be safely applied while preserving the sphincter function and conserving fecal continence.
Authors: J G Williams; P A Farrands; A B Williams; B A Taylor; P J Lunniss; P M Sagar; J S Varma; B D George Journal: Colorectal Dis Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 3.788
Authors: Bashar Safar; Sanjay Jobanputra; Dana Sands; Eric G Weiss; Juan J Nogueras; Steven D Wexner Journal: Dis Colon Rectum Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 4.585