[Treatment of chronic sinus tract leakage at rectal anastomosis with anal fistula endoscopy].

Objective: To introduce the method of using anal fistula endoscope to treat chronic sinus tract leakage at rectal anastomosis site. Methods: We used anal fistula endoscopy to treat a patient with chronic sinus tract leakage after radical resection of rectal cancer, mainly including the following 5 steps: (1) establishing a water injection circulation system through the anus; (2) scraping off purulent coating and mucosa on the surface of the sinus tract with the brush; (3) hemostasis and removal of necrotic tissue with electrocoagulation rods; (4) filling the sinus tract with bioprotein gel; (5) compressing the sinus tract with transanal drainage tube. Results: The patient is a 70 year old male with rectal cancer. After undergoing 3D laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer via abdominal anterior resection (Dixon's procedure) and diverting ileostomy surgery for more than 3 months, leakage of the rectal anastomosis was found through colonoscopy and anal iodine water contrast imaging .The patient started eating and flowing juice 6 hours after surgery, got out of bed 24 hours after surgery, and was discharged 48 hours after the removal of the anal canal. Three months after surgery, colonoscopy and transanal iodine hydrography showed that the sinus repair was intact. The diverting ileostomy was reduced 4 months after surgery. Conclusion: Anal fistula endoscope is safe and feasible for the treatment of chronic sinus tract anastomotic leakage in selected patients.

Effect of incision location and type of fistula on postoperative urinary retention after radical surgery for anal fistula: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication characterized by fullness of the bladder without the ability to urinate. Its etiology in proctology surgery is multifactorial. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for POUR after radical surgery for anal fistula. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 511 patients who underwent radical surgery for anal fistula at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2022 to December 2023. Risk factors for POUR were analyzed by means of binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: POUR occurred in 57 patients (11.2%) within 48 h post-surgery, and males were predominantly affected (84.4%). Independent risk factors included a history of urological disease (OR = 6.048; p < 0.001), incisions at position 1 (OR = 2.228; p = 0.046), high anal fistula (OR = 4.768; p < 0.001), VAS score ≥ 7 (OR = 2.805; p = 0.010), and GAD-7 score ≥ 5 (OR = 2.405; P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: POUR is a significant complication post-radical surgery for anal fistula, particularly among patients with urological disease, high anal fistula, and incisions at position 1. Surgeons should pay more attention to surgical methods for high anal fistulas and fistulas in the anterior rectum, and monitor postoperative bladder volume in high-risk patients. Enhanced postoperative pain and anxiety management can reduce the incidence of POUR and prevent long-term bladder damage.

The impact of adipose fat tissue on the pathogenesis of crypto-glandular anal fistula.

<b>Indroduction:</b> Cryptoglandular perianal fistula represents a prevalent benign anorectal condition, primarily addressed through surgical interventions, occasionally posing considerable therapeutic challenges. The associated decline in patient quality of life underscores the significance of effective management. However, the lack of a fully understood pathogenesis complicates the treatment approach. Recent research has proposed the involvement of adipose fat tissue in the inflammatory response and pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula.<b>Aim:</b> The study aims to characterize the role of adipose fat tissue in the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula, with a specific focus on understanding the potential involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in the development of chronic inflammation.<b>Materials and methods:</b> This study involved the characterization of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and adipose tissue hormones. A total of 35 samples from both simple and complex cryptoglandular perianal fistula cases were collected during surgical procedures.<b>Results:</b> Serum levels of leptin, resistin, IL-1ß, and IL-8 were significantly elevated in patients operated on due to complex cryptoglandular perianal fistula when compared to patients with simple fistula. Adiponectin was significantly lowered in samples from complex perianal fistula in comparison to simple fistula.<b>Conclusions:</b> Complex perianal cryptoglandular fistula has a reduced level of anti-inflammatory adipokines i.e. adiponectin, and an increased level of proinflammatory resistin, leptin, IL-1ß, and IL-8.

Efficacy of radial incision combined with tunnel floating line drainage in the treatment of high posterior horseshoe anal fistula and perianal flora: Randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high prevalence of posterior horseshoe anal fistula and causing numerous complications, this study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of radial incision combined with tunnel floating line drainage (RCTD) and arc incision internal drainage in the treatment of the disease and the influence on perianal flora. METHODS: Ninety-six subjects treated with high posterior horseshoe anal fistula were stochastically assigned to a joint group (RCTD), and control group (arc incision internal drainage). The operation-related conditions, complication rate, anal function, and recurrence rate of 6 months after operation were compared, and perianal secretions were collected before operation and 1 day after operation to detect the changes of microbial flora. RESULTS: After operation, it was corroborated notable difference between joint group and control group in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, wound healing time, visual analogue scale score 6 hours after operation and phase I cure rate. Chi square test analysis showed notable difference between control group (27.08%) and joint group (10.40%) in incidence of complications, in terms of number of pathogens detected around anus, significantly smaller of the incremental change for the joint subgroup versus the control subgroup 1 day after operation. CONCLUSION: RCTD can be the best choice for patients with high posterior horseshoe anal fistula. This operation method has the advantages of short operation time, less trauma, fewer complications, fast recovery of anal function, and can also reduce perianal pathogenic bacteria infection.

Evaluating the efficacy of multi-incision and tube-dragging therapy combined with laser closure for high horseshoe-shaped anal fistula: Protocol of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: High horseshoe-shaped anal fistula (HHAF) is a complicated and challenging condition that presents considerable obstacles in treatment. We are presently investigating a novel surgical technique involving a combination of multi-incision and tube-dragging therapy, and laser closure (MITD-LaC) for the management of HHAF. Due to the current scarcity of rigorous evidence evaluating this approach, it is essential to perform a well-designed randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of this new method with incision and thread-drawing therapy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled and interventional study. After preliminary screening of qualified outpatients, a total of 64 adult patients will be enrolled in the trial and randomly allocated to either the MITD-LaC group or the control group (n = 32 per group). These patients will receive either MITD-LaC or incision and thread-drawing therapy. The design aims to allow for a robust comparison between the two treatment modalities. The primary endpoint is the wound healing time, while secondary endpoints include postoperative anal pain at 1, 3, and 5 days (measured with visual analogue scale), fecal incontinence score within 30 days after operation (measured with Cleveland Clinic Florida incontinence score), and the occurrence of postoperative complications within 1 month after surgery, and quality of life up to six months postoperatively (evaluated by The Quality of Life in patients with Anal Fistula Questionnaire Score). DISCUSSION: This study represents the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the short-term outcomes of MITD-LaC, thereby aiming to contribute high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice. Moreover, this trial incorporates comprehensive outcome measures assessing both subjective and objective dimensions. Because of this multidimensional assessment, MITD-LaC offers a promising potential for broader application in the treatment of HHAF. Consequently, obtaining more definitive and authoritative evidence through scientifically rigorous clinical trials is of utmost importance in further validating this treatment approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: We have submitted the clinical study protocol to the Ethics Committee, and it has been approved under ethical approval number 2021-1036-111-01. The results of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at professional conferences. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100053556.

Closing the internal opening with a rectal advancement flap increases the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell injection for complex Crohn's disease anal fistulas.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for anal fistula treatment may be impaired by the persistence of stools passing into the fistula, causing bacterial contamination and a local inflammatory reaction. We aimed to compare remission rates between patients treated by MSC injection with simple sutures and those treated with a rectal advancement flap. METHODS: This single-center prospective study compared the first patients who underwent internal opening closure with sutures with the subsequent patients treated with a flap. Complete clinical remission was defined as complete closure of the external opening(s) without pain or discharge, and complete radiological remission was defined as a Magnifi-CD score of 0. RESULTS: We compared the first 42 patients who had sutures with the 20 subsequent patients who had an advancement flap. The median follow-up was 15.5 [8.8-24.9] months. The cumulative incidence of complete clinical response at M12 was 53.8% [38.1-69.6%] in the suture group versus 93.3% [77.4-100.0] in the flap group (p < 0.001). The Magnifi-CD score was 0 for 41.7% [25.5-59.2%]) of patients treated with sutures versus 72.7% [39.0-63.9%]) of patients treated with a flap (p = 0.093). Anal incontinence score did not differ between the two groups. Practicing an advancement flap was the only significant factor associated with complete clinical remission over time (adjusted HR [95% CI] of 2.6 [1.4-4.9], p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Complete clinical remission rates following MSC injection are significantly higher after closure of the internal opening with a rectal flap than after closure with sutures, without consequences on anal continence.

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract: A retrospective, single centre, individual surgeons' experience for the management of complex fistula in ano.

Objectives: To identify early treatment outcomes among patients having undergone ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for complex fistula-in-ano in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: The single-centre retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from January 2016 to January 2021 of adult complex fistula-in-ano patients who underwent ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. All surgeries were done by a single surgeon. Pre- and post-operative Wexner continence scores were measured, and various factors, including change in continence, complete wound healing, postoperative infection and recurrence, were assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 15(75%) were females and 5(25.0%) were males. The overall mean age was 38.4±13.8 years. The median duration of surgery was 65 minutes (interquartile range: 57-99 minutes). There were 2(10%) patients who showed a change in continence after surgery to flatus alone. Complete healing was noted in 11(55%) patients. Recurrence was noted in 8(40%) patients; trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano in 2(10%) patients, and inter-sphincteric fistula in 6(30%). Body mass index had a significant association with the change in continence (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: There was a comparable risk of recurrence after ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract surgery, but among those without recurrence, the post-operative outcomes were optimal and no faecal incontinence was noted.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Laser and Hybrid Seton Methods in the Treatment of Perianal Fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and postoperative complications of laser and hybrid seton methods in the treatment of perianal fistula (PF). STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkiye, from January 2021 to April 2022. METHODOLOGY: A total of 76 patients, with 46 in the hybrid seton group and 30 in the laser group, were included in the study. Perianal fistula classification was based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The Likert satisfaction scale was assessed for patient satisfaction and the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence (CCF-FI) scoring system was used for incontinence. Treatment outcome was determined based on success rate and postoperative faecal incontinence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43 ± 13 years and 59 (78%) of them were male. Forty-seven (62%) patients had simple fistula. Acute and late complications were significantly higher in the hybrid seton group than in the laser group (p <0.001). According to the Likert satisfaction scale, the rate of unsatisfied patients was significantly higher in the laser group than in the hybrid seton group (p = 0.02). According to the CCF-FI scoring system, incontinence was significantly higher in the hybrid seton group than in the laser group (p = 0.01). Treatment failure was higher in the laser group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The laser method has lower intraoperative / postoperative complications, but higher treatment failure and lower patient satisfaction compared to the hybrid seton method. KEY WORDS: Anal fistula, Fecal incontinence, Laser therapy, Outcome, Loose seton method.

Treatment of anal fistulas with Obsidian RFT®: just another autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam?

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-preserving techniques like autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam have gained popularity, offering potential for better functional outcomes in anal fistula treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Obsidian RFT®. METHODS: The study conducted a retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2022 on patients who received anal fistula closure with Obsidian RTF® at the Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Clinical diagnosis, complemented by radiographic imaging, was employed to confirm inconclusive cases. Demographic and fistula characteristics and postoperative data were collected from electronic records following STROCSS criteria. RESULTS: Fifteen patients received Obsidian RFT® treatment for anal fistulas. We found no intra- and postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 3 days. After a median follow-up of 32 months, a closure rate of 53.3% was detected. Non-significant differences were observed in various variables, yet trends emerged, indicating associations between abscess presence and non-healing fistulas. A distinct age threshold (≥ 42.7 years) served as an indicator for an inability to achieve anal fistula cure. CONCLUSION: Obsidian RFT® represents a safe, minimally invasive operative procedure. Approximately half the patients experienced healing, with better outcome in a younger population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical Approval number Medical University of Vienna (#1258/2018). This study was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06136325).

[Rectal biopsies in radioproctopathy]. / Urorektal fistulering efter rektalbiopsier vid strålproktopati.

It is generally recommended to refrain from taking rectal biopsies in radioproctopathy. Herein we describe the clinical characteristics of urorectal fistulas after such biopsies in five patients. Conservative treatment is rarely successful. Diagnostic difficulties and comorbidities limiting the possibilities for radical surgical treatment options (i e pelvic exenteration) for urorectal fistulas are discussed.

Real-World Long-Term Persistence and Surgical Procedure-Free Period Among Bio-naïve Patients with Crohn's Disease and Fistula Initiated on Ustekinumab.

INTRODUCTION: Fistula is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Treatment with biologics has been associated with fistula healing. Long-term persistence is an important factor for a chronic inflammatory process such as fistula. This study described 24-month persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints among bio-naïve patients with CD and intestinal fistula who were initiated on ustekinumab. METHODS: Adults with CD and any enteric or perianal fistula initiated on ustekinumab (index date) between September 23, 2016, and March 2, 2022, were selected from the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database and followed up to 24 months. Persistence on ustekinumab (no gaps in days of supply of > 120 days) and composite endpoints of being persistent while on monotherapy and persistent while corticosteroid free were also assessed. The date of surgery was defined as the date of first claim for any CD-related surgeries. Persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints were assessed from the index date until the earliest of discontinuation (event), immunomodulator or other biologic use (event), corticosteroid use (event), date of surgery (event), 24-month follow-up or data end (censoring) using Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: The sample included 445 patients (mean age: 42.8 years; 56.6% female). The most common type of fistula was anal fistula (36.0%). At 24 months after ustekinumab initiation, 64.2% of patients remained persistent (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.8-71.4). Furthermore, 53.3% of patients were persistent while on monotherapy (95% CI 45.1-60.7), and 45.6% of patients were persistent while being corticosteroid free (95% CI 36.9-53.8). At 24 months, 22.8% (95% CI 17.0-30.3) of patients underwent any CD-related surgery. CONCLUSION: This study quantified long-term persistence on ustekinumab among bio-naïve patients with CD and fistula. Over half of patients initiated on ustekinumab were persistent and persistent while on monotherapy 24 months after initiation. Time-to-surgery estimate was comparable to existing evidence. These findings support ustekinumab as a treatment option for long-term management of CD with fistula.

Current practice of diagnosis and treatment for rectourethral fistula in male patients with anorectal malformation: a multicenter questionnaire survey in Japan.

PURPOSE: Surgical procedures for anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations (ARMs), particularly rectourethral fistula (RUF), depend on the institution. We investigated the diagnosis and treatment of RUF in male patients with ARMs in Japan using a questionnaire survey. METHODS: An online survey inquiring about the diagnosis and treatment (diagnostic modalities, surgical approaches, fistula dissection devices, and fistula closure techniques) of each type of ARM in male patients was conducted among institutional members of the Japanese Study Group of Anorectal Anomalies. Fisher's exact test was used to compare surgical methods between posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP). RESULTS: Sixty-one institutions (100%) completed the survey. LAARP was the preferred approach for high-type ARM (75.4%). PSARP was preferred for intermediate-type ARM (59.0%). Monopolar devices were most commonly used (72.1%) for RUF dissection. Blunt dissection was more frequent in the PSARP group (PSARP vs. LAARP: 55.6 vs. 20.0%, p < 0.005). Cystoscopy/urethroscopy to confirm the extent of dissection was used more frequently in the LAARP group (70.0% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.005). Clips and staplers were used more frequently in the LAARP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Distinct fistula management strategies for PSARP and LAARP were revealed. Further studies are needed to investigate the postoperative outcomes associated with these practices.

Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for complex cryptoglandular fistulas (20-Item complex cryptoglandular fistula questionnaire™): a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: There are limited tools to measure the burden of disease and effectiveness of medical/surgical interventions in patients with cryptoglandular fistulas. The aim of this study was to explore concepts that are relevant and important to patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) and to develop a patient-centred, disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess symptom burden and impacts of CCF. METHODS: A targeted literature review was conducted, followed by one-to-one telephone interviews with five colorectal surgeons (USA, n = 3; UK, n = 1; Spain, n = 1) and 20 US adult patients with CCF to inform the development of a conceptual model and a CCF-specific PROM. The targeted literature review informed the development of the preliminary conceptual model and identified a PROM in the literature that was used as a reference to generate the draft CCF-specific PROM. The colorectal surgeon interviews provided insights on the experience of patients with CCF to refine the conceptual model, formulate probing questions for use in patient interviews, and to develop the draft CCF-specific PROM. Patients' descriptions of their experiences with symptoms and the impacts on their lives and evaluation of the draft CCF-specific PROM in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were used to develop the final conceptual model and final CCF-specific PROM. RESULTS: Ten symptoms (odour, pain during bowel movement, abscess, post-operative pain, discharge/drainage/leakage, anal/perianal pain, inflammation/swelling, skin irritation, bleeding and itchiness) and 11 impacts (discomfort, inability to exercise, embarrassment, difficulty sitting, worry about disease, adapted life to maintain hygiene, negatively impacted social life/isolation, inability to perform daily activities, reduced interest in sex, negatively impacted intimate relationships and negatively impacted mood) were reported as most salient by patients. The patient experience, clinician perspective, and literature review provided input to item generation. Evaluation of relevance and patient understanding through cognitive interviews with patients provided evidence for the content validity of the new patient-reported outcome measure: the 20-item Complex Cryptoglandular Fistula Questionnaire™ (CCFQ-20™). CONCLUSION: The CCFQ-20™ is a new clinician-guided, patient-validated, disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure that measures disease impact and quality of life in patients with CCF.

Efficacy and Safety of Endorectal Advancement Flap for the Treatment of Anal Fistula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: Complex anal fistula poses a significant challenge for anorectal surgeons due to its high risks of recurrence and incontinence. A sphincter-preserving procedure named endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) is gradually being applied to clinical practice. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERAF in managing anal fistula. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for relevant manuscripts published from 29 August 2003 to 29 August 2023. Among these studies, outcomes included healing rate, recurrence rate, incontinence rate, and complications. Furthermore, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The heterogeneity was determined using the chi-squared test and I2 statistic. A random effects model was applied if significant heterogeneity (p < 0.05 and I2 > 50%) was observed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding studies with a high risk of bias. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were included in the present analysis, involving 1559 participants. The pooled healing rate and recurrence rate of ERAF were 65.5% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 57.6%-73.4%) and 19.6% (95% CI: 14.8%-24.4%), respectively. The pooled incontinence rate was 10.6% (95% CI: 6.0%-15.1%). According to the subgroup analysis, the healing rate, recurrence rate, and incontinence rate of ERAF for fistula associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were 53.9% (95% CI: 38.1%-69.7%), 32.6% (95% CI: 21.3%-43.8%), and 2.8% (95% CI: 0%-10.6%), respectively. For patients without IBD, the healing rate, recurrence rate, and incontinence rate of ERAF were 70.6% (95% CI: 63.9%-77.4%), 15.7% (95% CI: 9.9%-21.5%), and 16.5% (95% CI: 8.1%-24.9%), respectively. We observed that bleeding, local infection or abscess, flap dehiscence, and haematomas were the common complications, with incidences of 2.2% (95% CI: 0%-4.5%), 9.5% (95% CI: 4.7%-14.4%), 10.4% (95% CI: 0.0%-21.6%), and 12.4% (95% CI: 0%-27.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ERAF may be an optional treatment for anal fistula from the perspective of effectiveness and safety. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42023451451.

Use of 3D Anorectal Ultrasonography in the Preoperative Assessment of Complex Anal Fistulas and Patterns of Healing, Failure, and Recurrence After Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT).

OBJECTIVES: To use three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography (3D-US) to evaluate the outcome of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in patients with crypto-glandular transsphincteric fistula and describing the patterns of healing, failure, and recurrence rate. METHODS: After classifying the fistula and determining the length of the sphincter muscle to be transected, the patients were submitted to LIFT. The accuracy of pre- and postoperative 3D-US with 360° endoprobe (16 MHz) with automatic scanning and clinical findings was evaluated against surgical findings. Three outcomes were considered: healing, failure (persistent anal fistula through the original external opening or intersphincteric), and recurrence (reappearance of the anal fistula). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients of both sexes were evaluated. The 3D-US assessment revealed primary healing in 50 (79.3%) patients, although in 6 (9.5%) cases healing was delayed and the cavity was without communication with the anal canal. The procedure failed in 9 (15.9%) and fistula recurred in 4 (6.3%), all of whom underwent a second surgery based on a new 3D-US, resulting in a 92.3% (12/13) healing rate on 3D-US. CONCLUSIONS: A 3D-US was found to be useful in the preoperative assessment of fistulas by quantifying the percentage of muscle to be transected, and in the postoperative assessment by identifying healing, types of failure, and recurrence. The 3D-US was accurate and consistent with surgical findings.

Study on the effect and mechanism of Yanghe decoction Huacai on tissue repair ofsyndrome after anal fistula surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yanghe decoction Huacai for the repair of Yin syndrome wounds with slow-healing after anal fistula surgery. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with slow-healing negative wounds with after low-grade anal fistula surgery who met the inclusion criteria were divided into a treatment group and a control group based on a random number table method, with 60 patients in the treatment group and 60 patients in the control group. The treatment group was given Yanghe decoction Huacai in combination with routine treatment; the control group was only given routine treatment, in which the wound surface was disinfected with iodine, and then covered with sterile gauze. The course of treatment in both groups was 10 d. After treatment, the wound secretion score, wound granulation tissue score, the expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the wound, wound healing time and clinical efficacy were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age or gender between the two groups (P > 0.05). On the 10th and 15th days after the surgery, the wound secretion scores were higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Comparing the two groups at the 10th and 15th day after surgery, the granulation tissue growth scores in the treatment group were better than the in control group (P < 0.01). On the 10th and 15th day after operation, the expression levels of bFGF, TGF-ß1 and EGF factors in the treatment group were stronger than those in the control group. The healing time of the wounds in the treatment group was significantly shorter than in the control group (P < 0.01). The clinical efficacy of the two groups after treatment was compared, and the overall efficacy of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Yanghe decoction Huacai have significant efficacy in the treatment of slow-healing wounds with Yin syndrome after anal fistula surgery. It improves wound secretions, promotes the growth of wound granulation tissue, and shortens wound healing time. Its mechanism of action may be related to the control of wound inflammation. It is related to increasing the expression of bFGF, TGF-ß1 and EGF in wound tissue, and promoting wound angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation.

Efficacy of injection of autologous adipose tissue in the treatment of patients with complex and recurrent fistula-in-ano of cryptoglandular origin.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue injections, a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells, have been successfully used to promote anal fistula healing. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adipose tissue injection in treating patients with complex and recurrent fistulas of cryptoglandular origin. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center, open-label, non-randomized, interventional clinical trial from January 2020 to December 2022. We enrolled nine patients, who were evaluated after at least 12 months of follow-up. All patients had seton removal, fistula tract excision or curettage, and a mucosal flap if possible or, alternatively, an internal opening suture. We used a commercially available system to collect and process adipose tissue prior to injection. This system allowed the collection, microfragmentation, and filtration of tissue. RESULTS: Selected cases included six men and three women with a median age of 42 (range 31-55) years. All patients had an extended disease course period, ranging from 3 to 13 (mean 6.6) years, and a history of multiple previous surgeries, including two to eight interventions (a mean of 4.4 per case). All fistulas were high transsphincteric, four cases horseshoe and two cases with secondary suprasphincteric or peri-elevator tract fistulas. Six cases (66%) achieved complete fistula healing at a mean follow-up of 18 (range 12-36) months. Three cases (33.3%) experienced reduced secretion and decreased anal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complex and recurrent fistulas, such as the ones described, many from palliative treatments with setons, the adjuvant injection of adipose tissue might help achieve complete healing or improvement in a significant percentage of cases. CLINICALTRIALS: The study protocol was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04750499).

Assessing the suitability of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for obese patients compared to conventional surgery: a question worth investigating.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is an innovative surgical approach enabling the direct visualization of the fistula tract structure. This study aims to assess the efficacy of VAAFT in comparison with that of traditional surgical methods and explore potential risk factors contributing to fistula recurrence to provide new recommendations for surgical selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was collected from 100 patients with complex anal fistula (CAF) in our hospital who underwent surgical treatment from January 2021 to January 2023. We compared the baseline information and surgical outcomes of two groups, analyzed the risk factors for fistula recurrence by using logistic regression analysis, and conducted further exploration by using the body mass index. RESULTS: Equal numbers of patients underwent VAAFT and traditional surgeries, and no significant differences in baseline information were observed. Patients who received VAAFT experienced less intraoperative bleeding (15.5 (14.0-20.0) vs. 32.0 (25.0-36.0)), shorter hospital stays (2.0 (2.0-2.5) vs. 3.0 (3.0-3.5)), reduced postoperative pain and wound discharge, but longer operative times (43.3 ± 6.9 vs. 35.0 (31.5-40.0)) compared with patients who underwent traditional surgeries. No significant differences in recurrence rates were found three and six months after operation (the p-values were 0.790 and 0.806, respectively). However, the Wexner scores of the VAAFT group were significantly low in the first follow-up (0 (0-1.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0-2.0)). Postoperative recurrence of fistulas may be associated with obesity (p-value = 0.040), especially in patients undergoing traditional surgeries (p-value = 0.036). CONCLUSION: VAAFT offers advantages, such as less pain, less trauma, and faster recovery, compared with traditional surgical treatment. Obese patients with CAF are prone to recurrence, and we recommend that they undergo VAAFT treatment rather than traditional surgeries.