Outcome of hybrid seton placement for the treatment of high complex anal fistulas with and without tube drainage: A prospective comparative study

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of treatment for complex anal fistula with cutting hybrid seton combined with tube drainage. A total of 66 consecutive patients with complex anorectal fistulae were divided into two groups: experimental group (group A with 36 patients) underwent cutting hybrid seton placement plus tube drainage and control group (group B with 30 patients) underwent same procedure without tube drainage. Comparison of clinical outcomes between two groups was conducted. The success rate, time for healing of the wound, postoperative pain, and recurrence rate were analyzed. No patient was lost to follow-up. Some major clinical outcomes presented significant differences. Experimental group was superior than the control group in the aspects of success rate, time for healing of the wound, postoperative pain score, and recurrence rate. We can conclude that cutting hybrid seton placement with tube drainage was an effective procedure and valid alternative for complex anorectal fistula with a favorable result on higher healing rate, less postoperative pain, and few impact on the function of sphincter.