BACKGROUND: The treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano is challenging and often includes a number of operations due to high rates of recurrence. Recently, techniques using in vitro expanded adipose tissue-derived stem cells have been described. We describe a novel treatment for cryptoglandular fistulae used in 7 patients, using a combination of surgical closure of the internal opening and real-time autologous adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells (ADRC)-enhanced lipofilling, without need for in vitro expansion. METHODS: Following exclusion of active perianal sepsis, patients underwent a standard tumescent liposuction procedure, harvesting ~300 to 400 mL of raw lipoaspirate. The lipoaspirate was prepared in real time, using the Celution 800/CRS system to obtain the stromal vascular fraction containing ADRCs. After excision of the fistula tract and closure of the internal orifice, fresh ADRC-enhanced lipoaspirate was injected into and around the fistula tract. RESULTS: At 6-months' follow-up, 5 of 7 (71.4%) patients showed clinical signs of fistula closure; one of these patients had a recurrence at 10 months due to sepsis. The remaining 4 patients (57.1%) all had complete fistula closure at a median of 46 months' follow-up. There were no adverse events associated with the technique, and no new incontinence. CONCLUSION: Treatment of cryptoglandular fistulae-in-ano with ADRC-enhanced lipofilling appears feasible and safe, and may add to the range of procedures that can be used to treat this difficult problem.
BACKGROUND: The treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano is challenging and often includes a number of operations due to high rates of recurrence. Recently, techniques using in vitro expanded adipose tissue-derived stem cells have been described. We describe a novel treatment for cryptoglandular fistulae used in 7 patients, using a combination of surgical closure of the internal opening and real-time autologous adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells (ADRC)-enhanced lipofilling, without need for in vitro expansion. METHODS: Following exclusion of active perianal sepsis, patients underwent a standard tumescent liposuction procedure, harvesting ~300 to 400 mL of raw lipoaspirate. The lipoaspirate was prepared in real time, using the Celution 800/CRS system to obtain the stromal vascular fraction containing ADRCs. After excision of the fistula tract and closure of the internal orifice, fresh ADRC-enhanced lipoaspirate was injected into and around the fistula tract. RESULTS: At 6-months' follow-up, 5 of 7 (71.4%) patients showed clinical signs of fistula closure; one of these patients had a recurrence at 10 months due to sepsis. The remaining 4 patients (57.1%) all had complete fistula closure at a median of 46 months' follow-up. There were no adverse events associated with the technique, and no new incontinence. CONCLUSION: Treatment of cryptoglandular fistulae-in-ano with ADRC-enhanced lipofilling appears feasible and safe, and may add to the range of procedures that can be used to treat this difficult problem.
Authors: W R Schouten; J H C Arkenbosch; C J van der Woude; A C de Vries; H P Stevens; G M Fuhler; R S Dwarkasing; O van Ruler; E J R de Graaf Journal: Tech Coloproctol Date: 2021-10-04 Impact factor: 3.781