Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract

Abstract

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract has had excellent success in transsphincteric fistulas in multiple small series. A larger number of patients and longer follow-up period are needed to validate the early favorable results.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract in the management of anal fistula. A systematic review

“…In contrast, Abcarian et al . demonstrated a trend towards lower success rates as the number of prior attempts at repair by other means increased.…”

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) to treat anal fistula: early results from a prospective observational study

“…Success rates range from 57 to 94% with variable follow-up [12][13][14][15] as shown in Table 1. Overall, a pooled cumulative success rate of 74% can be drawn from this worldwide experience.…”

“…The initial report in 2006 from Rojanasakul et al [11] showed a 94% healing rate with a 3-month follow-up. Since then, only a few studies of the use of this technique have been reported, mainly published as abstracts, and with variable success rates from 57 to 89% [12][13][14][15]. This intuitive technique is based on the concept of secure closure of the internal opening and concomitant removal of infected cryptoglandular tissue in the intersphincteric plane.…”

A global consensus on the classification, diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease

“…The procedure is based on closure of the internal opening and removal of infected tissue via an intersphincteric approach. In the first small case series, a 94% success rate was reported and these results were confirmed by a pilot study including 40 patients96 97 A recent study showed more moderate success rates (56% healing >1 year) and all recurrences were within 2 months after the surgery 98. Prospective studies with higher numbers of Crohn's patients are further awaited.…”