Sphincter damage during fistulotomy for perianal fistulae and its relationship with faecal incontinence

Background The length of sphincter which can be divided during fistulotomy for perianal fistula is unclear. The aim was to quantify sphincter damage during fistulotomy and determine the relationship between such damage with symptoms and severity of faecal incontinence and long-term quality of life (QOL). Methods A prospective cohort study was performed over a 2-year period. Patients with intersphincteric and mid to low transsphincteric perianal fistulas without risk factors for faecal incontinence were scheduled for fistulotomy. All patients underwent 3D endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) pre-operatively and 8 weeks postoperatively. Measurements were taken of pre- and postoperative anal sphincter involvement and division. Anal continence was assessed using the Jorge-Wexner scale and QOL scores pre, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results Forty-nine patients were selected. A strong correlation between pre- and postoperative measurements was found p < 0.001. A median length of 41% of the external anal sphincter and 32% of the internal anal sphincter was divided during fistulotomy. Significant differences in mild symptoms of anal continence were found with increasing length of external anal sphincter division. But there was no significant deterioration in continence, soiling, or quality of life scores at the 1-year follow-up. Division of over two-thirds of the external anal sphincter was associated with the highest incontinence rates. Conclusions 3D-EAUS is a valuable tool for quantifying the extent of sphincter involvement pre- and postoperatively. Post-fistulotomy faecal incontinence is mild and increases with increasing length of sphincter division but does not affect long-term quality of life.

3D-Printed Surgical Steel Curettes for the Treatment of Perianal Fistula

Need. The diversity of approaches proposed for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas reflects the fact that no method has yet been shown to be fully satisfactory. We believe the successful treatment of this condition is directly proportional to the amount of fibrous tissue that can be removed. Technical solution. We use a kit of small curettes, of different thicknesses and sizes, incorporating spicules that enable the physician to remove fibrous tissue from the fistula tract. The small size and varying thicknesses of the curettes enable them to mould to the curves of the fistula tract and to remove tissue by deroofing from the shallowest to the deepest layers, thus excising the entire fibrous tract. Our hospital has recently incorporated into clinical practice a new model of 3D-printed surgical steel curette, flanked by 2 lateral rings through which the suture is threaded. The central part of the curette contains radially graduated discs, the tips of which perform the debriding action, removing the fibrous tissue from the tract. Proof of concept. By using these curettes in conjunction with our standard technique (plugging the tract with platelet-rich fibrin), we have improved the success rate from 67% to 88%. Next steps. We have contacted several companies with a view to marketing this product. Conclusion. The results obtained are significantly better than those offered by the techniques in current use for the treatment of complex fistulas, without prejudice to outcomes such as anal continence and morbidity and mortality.

Effect of intersphincteric fistula tract ligation versus anal fistulectomy on pain scores and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-2 in patients with simple anal fistulas

Objective This study was performed to explore the effects of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) on pain scores and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-2 in patients with simple anal fistulas. Methods Ninety patients with simple anal fistulas were evenly randomized into a study group (treated with LIFT) and a control group (treated with traditional anal fistulectomy) according to a random number table. The surgical outcomes, basic operation conditions (operation time, hospital stay, and anal continence), and postoperative wound healing rates were compared between the two groups. Results The study group had significantly better operation conditions (better anal continence and shorter length of hospital stay), a higher postoperative wound healing rate, lower pain scores, higher VEGF and IL-2 levels, and higher overall efficacy rate than the control group. However, the incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Patients who underwent LIFT had better surgical outcomes, higher wound healing rates, better anal continence, a shorter length of hospital stay, and less severe postoperative pain than those who underwent simple anal fistulectomy. Increased levels of VEGF and IL-2 after surgery may promote wound healing.

Short-term Results Of Sclerotherapy With 3% Polidocanol Foam For Symptomatic Second- And Third-degree Haemorrhoidal Disease

Background . Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is defined as the symptomatic enlargement and/or distal displacement of anal cushions and is one of the most common proctological diseases. Sclerotherapy (ST) with 3% polidocanol foam induces an inflammatory reaction with sclerosis of the submucosal tissue and consequent suspension of the haemorrhoidal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness and safety of ST with 3% polidocanol foam for the treatment of symptomatic second- and third-degree HD. Methods . A total of 66 patients with symptomatic second- and third-degree HD underwent a single ST session between March 2017 and July 2018. A visual analogue scale score was used to assess post-operative pain and patient satisfaction. The symptoms severity and anal continence were investigated through the Hemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS) and Vaizey score, respectively, at baseline, at 4 weeks and after 1 year. Results . Fifty-seven out of 66 patients were male (86.3%), and the mean age was 52 (29-75; SD ± 12) years. The mean operative time was 4.5 (2-6; SD ± 1.23) minutes. No intraoperative complications and no drug-related side effects occurred. The overall success rate was 78.8% (52/66 patients) after a single ST session and 86% after two ST sessions (57/66 patients). The mean treatment effect, obtained comparing preoperative and T5 symptom scores in each patient, showed a mean change of 7.88 (p<0.001). All patients resumed their normal daily activities the day after the procedures. Conclusions . ST with 3% polidocanol foam is a safe, cost-effective and repeatable conservative treatment.

Short-term Results Of Sclerotherapy With 3% Polidocanol Foam For Symptomatic Second- And Third-degree Haemorrhoidal Disease

Background.Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is defined as the symptomatic enlargement and/or distal displacement of anal cushions and is one of the most common proctological diseases. Sclerotherapy (ST) with 3% polidocanol foam induces an inflammatory reaction with sclerosis of the submucosal tissue and consequent suspension of the haemorrhoidal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness and safety of ST with 3% polidocanol foam for the treatment of symptomatic second- and third-degree HD. Methods.A total of 66 patients with symptomatic second- and third-degree HD underwent a single ST session between March 2017 and July 2018. A visual analogue scale score was used to assess post-operative pain and patient satisfaction. The symptoms severity and anal continence were investigated through a self-reported questionnaire and Vaizey score, respectively, at baseline, at 4 weeks and after 1 year. Results. Fifty-seven out of 66 patients were male (86.3%), and the mean age was 52 (29-75; SD ± 12) years. The mean operative time was 4.5 (2-6; SD ± 1.23) minutes. No intraoperative complications and no drug-related side effects occurred. The overall success rate was 78.8% (52/66 patients) after a single ST session and 86% after two ST sessions (57/66 patients). The mean treatment effect, obtained comparing preoperative and T5 symptom scores in each patient, showed a mean change of 7.88 (p<0.001). All patients resumed their normal daily activities the day after the procedures. Conclusions.ST with 3% polidocanol foam is a safe, cost-effective and repeatable conservative treatment.

THE EXPERIENCE OF LIGATION OF INTERSPHINCTERICFISTULA TRACT IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TRANS- AND SUPRASPHINCTERIC ANAL FISTULAE

AIM. Ligation of intersphinctericfistllа tract (LIFT) is a new sphincter-preserving technique avoiding development of anal incontinence. The aim of the study is evaluation of effectiveness of this procedure. METHOD. From Jan 2013 to Dec 2015 40 patients with anal fistulae, exciting more than 30% of anal sphincter was included in the study. Male: 28 (70%), Female: 12 (30%). 29 (72,5%) cases were middle transsphincteric, 16 (22,5%) - deep transsphincteric and 2 (5%) was suprasphincteric. RESULTS. The median follow up was 16 months ((3-36) months). The healing rate was (72,5%). Recurrents developed in 5 (17,3%) patients with middle transsphincteric fistulae, 5 (55,6%) - with deep transsphincteric fistulae, and 1 (50%) with suprasphincteric fistulae. 4 patients developed an intersphincteric abscess. After excision of this fistulae healing occurred in all four cases. A second operation did not affect the function of anal continence. At follow-up there was no change in continence evaluated by Wexner score and anorectal manometry. CONCLUSION. LIFT has a high success rate in middle transsphinteric anal fistulae. Recurrence is related to deep portion fistulae or suprasphinteric fistula tract.