Is Simple Fistula-in-Ano Simple?
Publication/Presentation Date
9-1-1994
Abstract
PURPOSE: A study of 523 fistulas of cryptoglandular origin operated on between January 1985 and December 1991 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital was undertaken for the purpose of establishing whether the "so-called" simple fistula-in-ano has a favorable outcome. High transsphincteric fistulas with or without high blind tract, suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric, and horseshoe fistulas as well as fistulas associated with inflammatory bowel disease were excluded.
METHODS: Four-hundred sixty-one patients with anal fistulas classified as simple fistulas-in-ano (uncomplicated transsphincteric, low and high blind track intersphincteric) were studied retrospectively. There were 310 males and 151 females with an average age of 42 years and mean follow-up of 34 months.
RESULTS: Thirty (6.5 percent) patients developed recurrent fistulas: 16 (53.3 percent) because of missed internal openings at initial surgery, six (20 percent) attributed to missed secondary tracks, five (16.7 percent) because of premature fistulotomy wound closure, and three (10 percent) because of miscellaneous factors.
CONCLUSION: All so-called simple fistulas-in-ano may not have readily detectable primary openings and may possess secondary tracks which preclude their behavior as simple fistulas.
Volume
37
Issue
9
First Page
885
Last Page
889
ISSN
0012-3706
Published In/Presented At
Sangwan, Y. P., Rosen, L., Riether, R. D., Stasik, J. J., Sheets, J. A., & Khubchandani, I. T. (1994). Is simple fistula-in-ano simple?. Diseases Of The Colon And Rectum, 37(9), 885-889.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery
PubMedID
8076487
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty
Document Type
Article