Use of Non-Thermal Plasma as Postoperative Therapy in Anal Fistula: Clinical Experience and Results.

Anal fistula, characterized by abnormal tracts between the perianal skin and the anal canal, presents challenges in treatment because of its diversity and complexity. This study investigates the use of non-thermal plasma as a postsurgical therapy for anal fistula, aiming to promote healing and tissue regeneration. A specialized plasma reactor was designed to apply non-thermal plasma within the anorectal cavity practically. Non-thermal plasma treatment was administered to 20 patients including 10 undergoing fistulectomies and 10 undergoing fistulotomies. The average duration of non-thermal plasma application in the operating room was shorter for fistulotomies. The pain reported the day after surgery was similar in both groups. Improvements in the number of evacuations starting from the day after surgery, as well as the assessment of stool quality using the Bristol scale, indicated satisfactory intestinal recovery. Fistulotomy patients exhibited faster wound healing times. These findings underscore the efficacy of non-thermal plasma as a postoperative therapy for anal fistula, enhancing healing and recovery outcomes without increasing complication risks.

Is fistulotomy with marsipulization more effective than fistulectomy alone for low fistula in ano?

Background: Fistula in ano is a very common perianal condition seen in outpatient departments. Fistulotomy and fistulectomy are two conventional options of surgery. The present study is designed to observe wound healing time and mean postoperative pain score in the comparison of outcome of the fistulectomy to fistulotomy with marsupialization. Methods: This prospective randomized trial was conducted in the surgical department of the Civil Hospital Karachi for a period of 12 months, in which 60 patients with low anal fistula were divided into 2 groups. Thirty patients in group A were treated with fistulectomy, and 30 in group B were treated with fistulotomy with marsupialization. The postoperative pain severity was assessed after 24 hrs through a visual analogue scale and on weekly and fortnightly follow-ups for 6 weeks. Wound healing was assessed by clinical examination on weekly and fortnightly follow-ups for 6 weeks to estimate the mean healing time. Results: The mean pain score was significantly lower in group B in comparison to group A (3.6±1.99 versus 2.40±1.52; p=0.01). The mean wound healing time was shorter in group B in comparison to group A (4.23±0.77 versus 5.80±0.41 weeks; p=0.0005). Conclusion: Fistulotomy with marsupialization is a simple, easy, and more effective method than fistulectomy for the treatment of simple perianal fistula. (AU)

Influence of the cotton and silastic seton on the distance of the anal sphincter cables after fistulotomy in rats / Influência do sedenho de algodão e silastic no afastamento dos cabos musculares do esfíncter anal após fistulotomia em ratos

Abstract Rationale: Fistulotomy is a procedure widely used in the treatment of anal fistulas but is associated with varying degrees of fecal incontinence that could be minimized by previous use of sedentum, and the material used may influence the outcome. Purpouse: To compare cotton and silastic used as setons in the spacing of the sphincter cables of rats subjected to fistulotomy. Method: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which after 30 days of fistula production were distributed in: Control Group (GC): the steel wire was removed, followed by fistulotomy; Cotton Group (GA) and Silastic Group (GS), in which were applied cotton and silastic setons respectively for 30 days when fistulotomy was performed; after seven days, euthanasia and removal of the specimens were performed for histological study, and the results were submitted to statistical assessment using Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, establishing a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The distance between the muscular cables was 107.9 µm in the GC, 82.4 µm in the GA and 53.5 µm in the GS (p = 0.00001). The mean inflammation scores were 1.9 in the CG, 1.0 in the GA and 0 in the GS (p < 0.05). The fibrosis scores were 1.1 in GC, 0.9 in GA and 0.6 in GS (p > 0.05). Conclusion The silastic seton prior to fistulotomy caused less detachment of the muscular cables and less local inflammatory process.

Resumo Racional: A fistulotomia é um procedimento muito utilizado no tratamento das fístulas anais mas está associado a graus variáveis de incontinência fecal que poderia ser minimizado pelo uso prévio de sedenho, sendo que o material utilizado pode ter influência no resultado. Objetivo: Comparar os fios de algodão e sonda de silastic utilizados como sedenhos no afastamento dos cabos musculares do esfíncter anal de ratos submetidos a fistulotomia. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, que após 30 dias da confecção da fístula foram distribuídos em: Grupo Controle (GC): foi retirado o fio de aço seguido por fistulotomia; Grupo Algodão (GA) e Grupo Silastic (GS), nos quais aplicou-se sedenho de algodão e silastic respectivamente por 30 dias quando foi realizada fistulotomia; após sete dias realizou-se eutanásia e remoção dos espécimes para estudo histológico, sendo os resultados submetidos a tratamento estatístico pelo teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, estabelecendo-se como significante p < 0,05. Resultados O afastamento entre os cabos musculares foi 107,9 µm no GC; 82,4 µm no GA e 53,5 µm no GS (p = 0,00001). As médias dos escores de inflamação foram 1,9 no GC; 1,0 no GA e 0 no GS (p < 0,05). Os escores de fibrose foram 1,1 no GC; 0,9 no GA e 0,6 no GS (p > 0,05). Conclusão O sedenho de silastic previamente à fistulotomia causou menor afastamento dos cabos musculares e menor processo inflamatório local.

Evaluation of polypropylene and polyglactin sutures in primary sphincteroplasty for the treatment of anal fistula in rats / Avaliação dos fios de polipropileno e poliglactina na esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento da fístula anal em ratos

ABSTRACT Rationale: Fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty is one of the therapeutic options in transsphincteric fistulae; however, it was not known which suture would present a better result. Objective: To compare polypropylene and polyglactin sutures in primary sphincteroplasty in rats subjected to fistulotomy. Method: Thirty Wistar rats were subjected to peritoneal anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine, followed by transfixation of the anal sphincter with steel thread, which remained for 30 days to develop the anal fistula. After this period, the steel thread was removed and four groups were formed: A - Control (n = 5), without treatment; B - Fistulotomy (n = 5), performed fistulotomy only; C - Polypropylene (n = 10), in which fistulotomy was performed followed by primary sphincteroplasty with polypropylene suture; D - Polyglactin (n = 10), in which fistulotomy was performed followed by primary sphincteroplasty with polyglactin suture; after 30 days the animals were anesthetized again and submitted to euthanasia by deepening the anesthetic plane to remove the specimens, analyzing fistula closure, muscle fiber distance, and inflammatory process. Results: The fistula persisted in all animals of the control group and in none of the other groups; the distances between the muscle fibers were 1620 µm, 4665 µm, and 2520 µm, respectively in Groups B, C, and D (p = 0.067); in relation to fibrosis, the means were 2.4, 2.8, and 3.6, respectively in Groups B, C, and D, showing greater fibrosis in the latter group (p = 0.041). Conclusion: There was no persistence of the fistula in any of the treated animals; there was no difference in the distance between the muscle fibers between the groups subjected to primary sphincteroplasty with polypropylene or polyglactin, or between these groups and the one treated only by fistulotomy. There was greater fibrosis in animals treated with primary sphincteroplasty with polyglactin.

RESUMO Racional: A fistulotomia seguida de esfincteroplastia primária é uma das opções terapêuticas nas fístulas transesfincterianas, porém, não se sabe ao certo qual fio poderia apresentar melhor resultado. Objetivo: Comparar os fios de polipropileno e poliglactina na esfincteroplastia primária em ratos submetidos a fistulotomia. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, confeccionada fístula por transfixação do esfíncter anal com fio de aço, que permaneceu por 30 dias. Após, o fio de aço foi removido e foram formados quatro grupos: A - Controle (n = 5), sem tratamento; B - Fistulotomia (n = 5), realizada fistulotomia apenas; C - Polipropileno (n = 10), em que foi realizada fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primário com fio de polipropileno; D - Poliglactina (n = 10), mesmo procedimento com fio de poliglactina; após 30 dias analisou-se o fechamento da fístula, afastamento dos cabos musculares e processo inflamatório. Resultados: A fístula persistiu em todos animais do grupo controle e em nenhum dos demais grupos; dos grupos tratados a área de afstamento dos cabos musculares foi 1620 µm, 4665 µm e 2520 µm, respectivamente nos Grupos B, C e D (p = 0,067); em relação à fibrose as médias foram 2,4; 2,8 e 3,6; respectivamente nos Grupos B, C e D, demonstrando maior fibrose neste último grupo (p = 0,041). Conclusão: Não houve persistência da fístula em nenhum dos animais tratados, não houve diferença no afastamento dos cabos musculares entre os grupos submetidos a esfincteroplastia primária com polipropileno ou poliglactina, e nem destes com o grupo tratado apenas por fistulotomia. Houve maior fibrose nos animais tratados por esfincteroplastia primária com poliglactina.

Colangiopancreatografía asistida por laparoscopia en bypass gástrico y fistulotomía pre-corte por cálculo impactado en papila / Colangiopancreatography Assisted by Laparoscopy in Gastric Bypass and Fistulotomy Pre-Cut by Calculation Impacted in Papila

La denominada cirugía bariátrica “Bypass Gástrico” es una de las operaciones bariátricas mayormente efectuadas a nivel mundial y en aumento en años recientes. La exclusión del estómago y duodeno, después del procedimiento, deja con gran dificultad, la ejecución vía oral, de la Colangiopancreatografía endoscópica (CPRE) y el acceso al tracto biliar y pancreático. Debido a la incrementada incidencia de litiasis biliar en pacientes luego del procedimiento “bypass gástrico”, habrá más requerimiento de la Colangiopancreatografía endoscópica. En los últimos años se ha demostrado que los pacientes con bypass gástrico que ameriten evaluar el tracto biliopancreático pueden someterse exitosamente a Colangiopancreatografía endoscópica terapéutica transgástrica asistida por laparoscopia, en forma segura y confiada. Presentamos nuestra paciente con litiasis residual: cálculo impactado en la papila, efectuando la Colangiopancreatografía endoscópica transgástrica asistida por laparoscopia e Fistulotomía con bisturí - aguja por cálculo impactado en la papila, resuelto satisfactoriamente.

The “Gastric Bypass” is one of the most performed bariatric operatio ns worldwide, and in recent years the number of former bypass patients accrues. The gastric bypass excludes the stomach and duodenum, and it makes very difficult, by oral route, the access to the biliopancreatic tract, by means the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Due to the increased evidence of gallstones after bariatric operations, the ERCP could be more often required. In recent years, it has been demostrated that gastric bypass patients can be successfully evaluated endoscopically by laparoscopic transgastric ERCP, as a safe and reliable method. We describe a patient with residual billiary impacted stone in the papilla, who underwent laparoscopic transgastric ERCP and a precut “fistulotomy” technique with needle - knife, was highly successful, without add significant morbidity to the procedure.

Rectal tone and compliance affected in patients with fecal incontinence after fistulotomy.

AIM: To investigate the anal sphincter and rectal factors that may be involved in fecal incontinence that develops following fistulotomy (FIAF). METHODS: Eleven patients with FIAF were compared with 11 patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and with 11 asymptomatic healthy subjects (HS). All of the study participants underwent anorectal manometry and a barostat study (rectal sensitivity, tone, compliance and capacity). The mean time since surgery was 28 ± 26 mo. The postoperative continence score was 14 ± 2.5 (95%CI: 12.4-15.5, St Mark's fecal incontinence grading system). RESULTS: Compared with the HS, the FIAF patients showed increased rectal tone (42.63 ± 27.69 vs 103.5 ± 51.13, P = 0.002) and less rectal compliance (4.95 ± 3.43 vs 11.77 ± 6.9, P = 0.009). No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the HS with respect to the rectal capacity; thresholds for the non-noxious stimuli of first sensation, gas sensation and urge-to-defecate sensation or the noxious stimulus of pain; anal resting pressure or squeeze pressure; or the frequency or percentage of relaxation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence. CONCLUSION: In patients with FIAF, normal motor anal sphincter function and rectal sensitivity are preserved, but rectal tone and compliance are impaired. The results suggest that FIAF is not due to alterations in rectal sensitivity and that the rectum is more involved than the anal sphincters in the genesis of FIAF.

PCRE: ampulotomía o fistulotomía suprapapilar con needle knife para acceder a la vía biliar en canulación dificil / ERCP: ampulotomy or suprapapillary fistulotomy with needle knife to access bile ductin difficult cannulation

INTRODUCCIÓN: la canulación profunda de la via biliar principal es requisito para una Pancreato-colangiografía Retrograda Endoscópica (PCRE) de carácter terapéutico. El pre corte es una técnica practicada en casos de canulación difícil. Objetivo: Reportar los casos de pacientes con canulación difícil y fistulotomia suprapapilar como un método para la canulación selectiva del colédoco. Reportar la eficacia, hallazgos demográficos, endoscópicos y complicaciones de éste procedimiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y observacional de casos. Se ha realizado en 93 pacientes sometidos a PCRE con canulación difícil en quienes se practicó el pre corte tipo Fistulotomia, en un Centro privado de Endoscopia Digestiva del 2000 al 2010 en Lima. RESULTADOS: En 1205 (100%) CPRE se hicieron 1152 (96%) papiloesfinterotomias, de éstos en 93 casos (8%) casos se hizo fistulotomia previa a la papiloesfinterotomia. El grupo atareo más frecuente fue de 61 a 70 años, la relación F:M, 2.4:1. La eficacia fue 96%, los hallazgos endoscópicos más frecuentes fueron Odditis, impactación de cálculo y la presencia de ampuloma, los diagnósticos finales fueron enfermedad litiásica (34%), seguida de la Odditis con o sin litiasis coledociana (29%), en el 75% de casos se realizó terapéutica, el 8.5% de casos presentó complicaciones (pancreatitis y sangrado). No se registró perforaciones ni colangitis. CONCLUSIONES: en esta serie la fistulotomia en casos de canulación difícil es eficaz, es más frecuente en casos de Odditis, cálculo impactado y ampuloma y las complicaciones son bajas. RECOMENDACIONES: el pre corte tipo fistulotomia está dirigida a pacientes que requieren PCRE terapéutica, la decisión de realizarla debe ser precoz, la firma de un consentimiento informado es primordial.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary conducts deep cannulation is a requirement for therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP). The pre-cut papillotomy is a technique for difficult cannulation cases. Aims: Report cases of hard cannulation and suprapapilar fistulotomy as a method for selective common bile duct cannulation. Report efficacy, demographic and endoscopic findings and complications of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive and prospective study of cases. Sample of 93 patients who had a difficult cannulation ERCP, in which suprapapilar fistulotomy pre-cut type was done, in a private digestive endoscopic center between 2000 and 2010 in Lima, Peru. RESULTS: 1205 (100%) ERCP were made 1152 (96%) papillosphincterotomies. Fistulotomy was done in 93 cases (8%) of these papillosphincterotomies. The most prevalent age group was 61 to 70 years old, the female-male proportion was 2.4:1. The efficacy was 96%. The most prevalent endoscopy findings were odditis, gallstone impactation and ampulloma presence, final diagnosis were lithiasic disease (34%), Odditis with or without common bile duct lithiasis (29%). Therapeutic ERCP was done in 75% of the cases, 8.5% showed complications (pancreatitis and bleeding). No perforation or cholangitis were registered. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, fistulotomy in difficult cannulation procedures had good efficacy. Is most prevalent in cases with odditis, gallstone impactation and ampulloma. Complications of the procedure are low. RECOMMENDATIONS: The fistulotomy type of pre-cut is leaded for patients who require therapeutic ERCP. The decision for doing the procedure must be precocious and informed consent is primordial.

Fistulopapilotomia por sobre balão transpapilar em pacientes com Billroth II: uma nova técnica / Fistulotomy over transpapillary balloon in patientes with Billroth II: a new technique

Introdução: A CPRE diagnóstica e terapêutica, em pacientes com gastrectomia à Billroth 11, é mais difícil devido às alterações anatômicas. Acessórios e técnicas têm sido desenvolvidos para minimizar estas adversidades. Objetivo: Nova técnica de acesso biliar em pacientes gastrectomizados à Billroth 11. Pacientes: No período de fevereiro de 2003 a agosto de 2007, foram realizadas 157 CPRE em pacientes gastrectomizados à Billroth 11, por coledocolitíase. Em 37 desses pacientes, não foi possível cateterização pela técnica convencional, sendo submetidos a nova técnica. Métodos: Após fistulopapilotomia para acessar via biliar principal, passava-se fio-guia de 0,035mm, seguido por balão dilatador de 8mm, que se mantinha transpapilar. Pelo canal de trabalho, passava-se o estilete; ao posicionar em frente à papila, procedia-se secção do esfíncter por sobre balão insuflado com contraste até desaparecimento da cintura na radioscopia. Resultados: Dos 37 pacientes submetidos ao novo procedimento, seis foram excluídos. Dezesseis pacientes (51,6%) eram do sexo feminino e quinze (48,4%) do masculino. A idade variou de 29 a 89 anos, com média de 62,3 anos. Todos tinham icterícia clínica e laboratorial. O tempo do procedimento variou de 18 a 48 minutos (30 minutos). O diâmetro da via biliar foi de 4,5 a 12,8mm (7,7mm), apresentando de um a quatro cálculos. Ocorreram seis (19,3%) complicações relacionadas ao procedimento, sendo três (9,7%) pancreatites, duas (6,4%) hemorragias e uma (3,2%) perfuração. Não houve óbitos relacionados ao procedimento. Conclusão: O sucesso desta técnica foi de 83,8% (31 dos 37 casos), sendo 88,6% (31 de 35 casos) se considerarmos apenas a canulação da via biliar, portanto método seguro e eficaz em pacientes com Billroth 11 e papila duodenal difícil.