Ozone Treatment for Chronic Anal Fistula: It Is Not Promising.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of ozone gas in the treatment of anorectal fistulae. The tip of a 20 G intravenous cannula was inserted from the fistula orifice. Medical ozone was introduced into the fistula. A total of 10 sessions of ozone gas insufflation was performed on alternate days. Treatment was considered to be successful if fistula discharge ceased and the outer fistula orifice closed; however, if discharge was continued or outer fistula orifice was open, the treatment considered to be failed. A total of 12 adult patients were included in the study. The fistula was closed in three patients (25 %), in nine patients (75 %) without closure. In one patient who had fistula closure, the fistula recurred after 2 months. Patients did not express any discomfort during ozone insufflation. There were no side effects or complications due to ozone insufflation. The success rate of ozone insufflation in anorectal fistulae closure is low.