The efficacy of porcine dermal collagen to treat complex anal fistulae: results of a multicenter cohort

Introduction: The management of complex anal fistulae remains a topical surgical problem. The choice and success of surgical management are based on the balance between healing and continence. Although porcine dermal collagen (Permacol Collagen Paste [PCP]- Covidien plc, Gosport, Hampshire, UK) represents a new generation of non-solid biomaterials, its results in anal fistulae are mixed. Methods: A multicenter observational retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula treated in four colorectal surgery units was performed between 2015 and 2020. Clinical cure of the fistula was the main outcome measure. Adverse events and alterations in anal continence were secondary outcomes. Results: The study included 119 patients (87 males, 71.1%), with a mean age of 53 years (IR 44-65). Most patients had complex (80.6%) and recurrent (91.6%) fistulae. With the first PCP treatment, the overall cure rate was 41.2% (49 patients) and 45.4% with the second treatment (5 out of 17 patients). The mean follow-up period was 17 months (IR 5-25). Healing was not affected by the location and type of fistula, the existence or not of a cavity, the number of tracts, or the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. After the PCP treatment, no patient in the series had worsening of continence. Morbidity affected 22.7% of the patients (27), with postoperative abscesses being the most frequent adverse event. There were no statistical differences between the four hospitals studied. Conclusions: Permacol collagen paste is a safe and easily reproducible therapy for complicated anal fistulae that has moderate efficacy. The overall success rate is slightly over 40%, with no detriment to fecal continence. (AU)

Evaluation of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction in the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistula

Background: High perianal fistula treatment remains challenging, mainly due to the variability in success and recurrence rates as well as continence impairment risks. So far, no procedure can be considered the gold standard for surgical treatment. Yet, strong efforts to identify effective and complication-free surgical options are ongoing. Fistulotomy can be considered the best perianal fistula treatment option, providing a perfect surgical field view, allowing direct access to the source of chronic inflammation. Controversy exists concerning the risk of continence impairment associated with fistulotomy. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction regaring fistula recurrence, incontinence, and patient satisfaction. Methods: This interventional study was performed at the General Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospital during the period from July 2018 to December 2019 on 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. The fistulous tract was laid open over the probe placed in the tract. After the fistula tract had been laid open, the tract was curetted and examined for secondary extensions. Then, suturing muscles to muscles, including the internal and external sphincters, by transverse mattress sutures. Results: Our study showed that 2 patients develop incontinence to flatus ~ 8.3%.and only one patient develop incontinence to loose stool, 4.2%. Complete healing was achieved in 83% and recurrence was 16.6%. Conclusion: Fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction is considered to be an effective option in the management of high perianal fistula, with low morbidity and high healing rate with acceptable continence state. (AU)

Papel de la medicina regenerativa y los sellantes en la enfermedad de Crohn perianal / Role of regenerative medicine and sealants in perianal Crohn's disease

La enfermedad de Crohn constituye una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que puede cursar con fistulas complejas en hasta un 20% de los pacientes. A pesar de la intensificación del tratamiento, asociado o no a la cirugía, todavía es considerable el porcentaje de pacientes que no responden al tratamiento. En los últimos años se ha empezado a desarrollar nuevas terapias que permitan conseguir una mayor tasa de curación de estos pacientes, con las mínimas complicaciones posibles. Es cuando aparecen agentes que pretenden de forma directa el sellado o intervienen en la reducción local de la inflamación. Es objetivo de este artículo mostrar el papel de la Medicina Regenerativa en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that can occur with complex fistulas in up to 20% of patients. Despite the intensification of treatment, associated with no surgery, the percentage of patients who do not respond to treatment is still considerable. In recent years, new therapies have been developed to achieve a higher cure rate for these patients, with the minimum possible complications. It is when agents appear to pretend as seal fistula tract as the local reduction of inflammation. The aim of this article is to show the role of Regenerative Medicine in the treatment of these patients.

PERIANAL COMPLETE REMISSION WITH COMBINED THERAPY (SETON PLACEMENT AND ANTI-TNF AGENTS) IN Crohn’s DISEASE: a Brazilian multicenter observational study / Remissão perianal completa com terapia combinada (sedenhos e agentes biológicos) na doença de Crohn: um estudo brasileiro observacional e multicêntrico

Background Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease is one of the most severe phenotypes of inflammatory bowel diseases. Combined therapy with seton placement and anti-TNF therapy is the most common strategy for this condition Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the rates of complete perianal remission after combined therapy for perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease. Methods This was a retrospective observational study with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease patients submitted to combined therapy from four inflammatory bowel diseases referral centers. We analyzed patients’ demographic characteristics, Montreal classification, concomitant medication, classification of the fistulae, occurrence of perianal complete remission and recurrence after remission. Complete perianal remission was defined as absence of drainage from the fistulae associated with seton removal. Discussion A total of 78 patients were included, 44 (55.8%) females with a mean age of 33.8 (±15) years. Most patients were treated with Infliximab, 66.2%, than with Adalimumab, 33.8%. Complex fistulae were found in 52/78 patients (66.7%). After a medium follow-up of 48.2 months, 41/78 patients (52.6%) had complete perianal remission (95% CI: 43.5%-63.6%). Recurrence occurred in four (9.8%) patients (95% CI: 0.7%-18.8%) in an average period of 74.8 months. Conclusions Combined therapy lead to favorable and durable results in perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease. .

Contexto A doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante é uma das formas mais graves das doenças inflamatórias intestinais. A terapia combinada com sedenhos e agentes biológicos é a estratégia mais comumente empregada para essa condição. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as taxas de remissão perianal completa com a terapia combinada na doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e observacional com portadores de doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante submetidos à terapia combinada provenientes de quatro centros de referência do Brasil. Foram analisadas as características de base dos pacientes, classificação de Montreal, medicamentos concomitantes, classificação das fístulas, ocorrência de remissão perianal completa e recorrência. Remissão perianal completa foi definida como ausência de drenagem das fístulas associada à retirada dos sedenhos. Discussão Foram incluídos 78 pacientes, 44 (55,8%) mulheres, com média de idade de 33,8 (±15) anos. A maior parte dos pacientes foi tratada com Infliximabe, 66,2%, do que com Adalimumabe, 33,8%. Fístulas complexas foram observadas em 52/78 (66,7%) pacientes. Após um seguimento médio de 48,2 meses, 41/78 (52,6%) pacientes apresentaram remissão perianal completa (IC 95%: 43,5%-63,6%). Recorrência foi observada em quatro (9,8%) pacientes (IC 95%: 0,7%-18,8%) em um período médio de 74,8 meses para sua ocorrência. Conclusão A terapia combinada trouxe resultados favoráveis e duradouros em portadores de doença de Crohn perianal fistulizante. .