A 30 YEAR EXPERIENCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANAL FISTULA.

2017

Anal fistula has been recognized for centuries, and yet, its treatment remains a challenge for surgeons till today. In this study, a 30 year experience of treating anal fistula is being reported and discussed in light of the various recognized management methods. A total of 320 patients were treated by fistulotomy, fistulectomy, fistula plugging or seton technique. Data showed that fistula plugging carried the highest failure rate (89%) seconded by fistulectomy (37%), seton procedure (24.5%) and fistulotomy (15.6%). High transsphincteric fistulas were more likely to predict failure compared to low transsphincteric, intersphincteric and subcutaneous fistulas (37.5% versus 9.5%, 7.3% and 0%, …