Fibrin Glue Sealing in the Treatment of Perineal Fistulas

PURPOSE: The surgical management of complex perineal fistulas, such as high transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulas, or those associated with Crohn's disease, radiotherapy, surgical trauma, or cavity or a secondary tract, is associated with the risk of sphincter injury and significant discomfort. Fibrin glue may close fistula tracts without muscle division. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of fibrin glue sealing in treatment of perineal fistulas. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients in whom fibrin glue was used for the treatment of perineal fistula was performed. Patients were contacted by telephone to establish follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients underwent injection of fibrin glue for complex perineal fistulas. Twenty-four patients had fibrin glue injection as the principal treatment for the perineal fistula, and 13 had fibrin glue in conjunction with an endorectal advancement flap. The fistula was of cryptoglandular origin in 16 (42 percent) cases and associated with Crohn's disease and trauma in 7 (19 percent) and 14 (38 percent) patients, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 12.1 months, healing occurred in only 15 (41 percent) patients. The healing rate was 33 percent when fibrin glue was the principal treatment, and 54 percent when used with an endorectal advancement flap. Fistulas of noncryptoglandular origin had a higher success rate, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no morbidity associated with the injection of fibrin glue. CONCLUSION: In this study, fibrin glue had moderate success in the definitive treatment of perineal fistulas. However, 33 percent of the patients in whom fibrin glue was the only treatment used were able to avoid more extensive surgery. Fibrin glue is associated with minimal risk, therefore its application should be considered in patients with complex anal fistulas.     

Efficacy of Anal Fistula Plug vs. Fibrin Glue in Closure of Anorectal Fistulas

Purpose Long-term closure rates of anorectal fistulas using fibrin glue have been disappointing, possibly because of the liquid consistency of the glue. A suturable bioprosthetic plug (Surgisis?, Cook Surgical, Inc.) was fashioned to close the primary opening of fistula tracts. A prospective cohort study was performed to compare fibrin glue vs. the anal fistula plug. Methods Patients with high transsphincteric fistulas, or deeper, were prospectively enrolled. Patients with Crohn's disease or superficial fistulas were excluded. Age, gender, number and type of fistula tracts, and previous fistula surgeries were compared between groups. Under general anesthesia and in prone jackknife position, the tract was irrigated with hydrogen peroxide. Fistula tracts were occluded by fibrin glue vs. closure of the primary opening using a Surgisis^? anal fistula plug. Results Twenty-five patients were prospectively enrolled. Ten patients underwent fibrin glue closure, and 15 used a fistula plug. Patient's age, gender, fistula tract characteristics, and number of previous closure attempts was similar in both groups. In the fibrin glue group, six patients (60 percent) had persistence of one or more fistulas at three months, compared with two patients (13 percent) in the plug group (P < 0.05, Fisher exact test). Conclusions Closure of the primary opening of a fistula tract using a suturable biologic anal fistula plug is an effective method of treating anorectal fistulas. The method seems to be more reliable than fibrin glue closure. The greater efficacy of the fistula plug may be the result of the ability to suture the plug in the primary opening, therefore, closing the primary opening more effectively. Further prospective, long-term studies are warranted. Dr. David Armstrong has a patent-licensing agreement with the manufacturers of Surgisis? (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN). Presented at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 30 to May 5, 2005.     

The treatment of anal fistulas with biologically derived products: is innovation better than conventional surgical treatment? An update

New technical approaches involving biologically derived products have been applied in the treatment for anal fistulas in order to avoid the risk of fecal incontinence. The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence present in the literature regarding these techniques. Trials comparing surgery (fistulotomy, advancement mucosal flap closure and placement of seton) versus fibrin glue, fistula plug or acellular dermal matrix were considered. In fibrin glue versus traditional surgical treatment the healing rate was higher in the surgery group, and the recurrence rate was lower in the traditional surgery group, but these results were not statistically relevant. In acellular dermal matrix (ADM) versus traditional surgical treatment the recurrence rate of fistulas was significantly lower in the ADM group, but non-significant differences were recorded in incontinence and anal deformity. Our review shows that there are no significant advantages of the new techniques involving biologically derived products. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.     

Why do we have so much trouble treating anal fistula？

Anal fistula is among the most common illnesses affecting man.Medical literature dating back to 400 BC has discussed this problem.Various causative factors have been proposed throughout the centuries,but it appears that the majority of fistulas unrelated to specific causes (e.g.Tuberculosis,Crohn’s disease) result from infection (abscess) in anal glands extending from the intersphincteric plane to various anorectal spaces.The tubular structure of an anal fistula easily yields itself to division or unroofing...     

Fibrin glue for anal fistulas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term success and complication rate of fibrin-glue treatment of anal fistulas. Patients with an anal fistula presenting to a single surgeon over a 3-yr period were enrolled in this study. At their first operation, all 48 patients (26–72 yr old) underwent anoscopy, biopsy, destruction of the internal gland, and placement of a draining seton. Approximately 2 months later, after preoperative bowel preparation, the seton was removed, the internal opening closed with a single suture, and fibrin glue instilled by way of the external opening to seal the fistula tract. Patients were followed closely to document the results of treatment and any complications. Long-term follow-up was done by telephone interview. Cause of the anal fistula was cryptoglandular in 36 patients (75%), Crohn's disease in 5 (10%), and miscellaneous in 7 (15%). Median follow-up was 22 months (range, 6–46). After a single treatment with fibrin glue, 29 fistulas (60%) closed. Retreatment with fibrin glue brought the successful number of fistula tracts closed to 33 (69%). The 15 patients (29%) who failed either one or two treatments with fibrin glue were successfully treated with either fistulotomy or advancement flap. Bowel function and fecal incontinence were not altered by the fibrin-glue treatment. In one patient who failed fibrin glue, the fibrin-glue treatment might have created a more complicated fistula tract. Late recurrences (>6 months) occurred in three patients (6%), two of whom were successfully retreated with fibrin glue. Fibrin-glue treatment of anal fistulas is successful in up to 69% of patients if initial failures are retreated. This sphincter-saving technique is associated with minimal complications and no functional detriment. Late recurrences are unusual.     

Fibrin glue and transanal rectal advancement flap for high transsphincteric perianal fistulas; is there any advantage?

Backgrounds and aim In recent decades, fibrin glue has appeared as an alternative treatment for high perianal fistulas. Early results seemed promising, with high success rates being reported. However, with increasing follow-up, the enthusiasm was tempered because of disappointing results. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the additional value of fibrin glue in combination with transanal advancement flap, compared to advancement flap alone, for the treatment of high transsphincteric fistulas of cryptoglandular origin. Materials and methods Between January 1995 and January 2006, 127 patients were operated for high perianal fistulas with an advancement flap. After exclusion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease or HIV, 80 patients remained. A consecutive series of 26 patients had an advancement flap combined with obliteration of the fistula tract with fibrin glue. Patients were matched for prior fistula surgery, and the advancement was performed identically in all patients. In the fibrin glue group, glue was installed retrogradely in the fistula tract after the advancement was completed and the fistula tract had been curetted. Results Minimal follow-up after surgery was 13 months [median of 67 months (range, 13–127)]. The overall recurrence rate was 26% (n = 21). Recurrence rates for advancement flap alone vs the combination with glue were 13% vs 56% (p = 0.014) in the group without previous fistula surgery and 23% vs 41% (p = 0.216) in the group with previous fistula surgery. Conclusion Obliterating the fistula tract with fibrin glue was associated with worse outcome after rectal advancement flap for high perianal fistulas. Presented as a poster on the First Scientific and Annual General, Meeting of the European Society of Coloproctology, 13–16 September 2006, Lisbon, Portugal.     

Fibrin glue treatment for simple and complex anal fistulas

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical management of anal fistulas is associated with considerable morbidity, mainly related to anal sphincter injury. However, treatment with fibrin glue is a safe and simple method associated with less discomfort and complications. A prospective trial was conducted at our institute to evaluate the use of fibrin glue (Tissucol, Baxter, The Netherlands) for simple and complex anal fistulas. METHODOLOGY: From November 2001 until March 2004, 34 patients (22 male, 12 female, median age 40 years) were treated with Tissucol. Twenty-three (67%) fistulas were classified as simple (subcutaneous, intersphincteric and transsphincteric) and 11 (33%) as complex (suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric and/or associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or HIV). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were treated once, 5 patients were treated twice, 2 patients were treated 3 times and 1 patient underwent 4 Tissucol treatments. After a median follow-up of 7 months, 13 of 23 simple fistulas (56%) and 6 out of 11 complex fistulas (54%) healed, accounting for an overall closure rate of 55%. Complications occurred in two patients, who both developed a perineal abscess after glue instillation. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue treatment is safe and effective in 55% of the patients with anal fistulas. It is a good alternative to conventional surgery.     

Endoscopic treatment of duodenal fistula after incomplete closure of ERCP-related duodenal perforation

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various pancreatic and biliary diseases.The most common ERCP-induced complication is pancreatitis,whereas hemorrhage,cholangitis,and perforation occur less frequently.Early recognition and prompt treatment of these complications may minimize the morbidity and mortality.One of the most serious complications is perforation.Although the incidence of duodenal perforation after ERCP has decreased to1.0%,severe cases still require prolonged hospitalization and urgent surgical intervention,potentially leading to permanent disability or mortality.Surgery remains the mainstay treatment for perforations of the luminal organs of the gastrointestinal tract.However,evidence from case reports and case series support a beneficial role of endoscopic clipping in the closure of these defects.Duodenal fistulas are usually a result of sphincterotomies,perforated duodenal ulcers,or gastrectomy.Other causative factors include Crohn's disease,trauma,pancreatitis,and cancer.The majority of duodenal fistulas heal with nonoperative management.Those that fail to heal are best treated with gastrojejunostomy.Recently proposed endoscopic approaches for managing gastrointestinal leaks caused by fistulas include fibrin glue injection and positioning of endoclips.Our patient developed a secondary persistent duodenal fistula as a result of previous incomplete closure of duodenal perforation with hemoclips and an endoloop.The fistula was successfully repaired by additional clipping and fibrin glue injection.     

Emerging treatments for complex perianal fistula in Crohn＇s disease

Complex perianal fistulas have a negative impact on the quality of life of sufferers and should be treated. Correct diagnosis, characterization and classification of the fistulas are essential to optimize treatment. Nevertheless, in the case of patients whose fistulas are associated with Crohn＇s disease, complete closure is particularly difficult to achieve. Systemic medical treatments （antibiotics, thiopurines and other immunomodulatory agents, and, more recently, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents such as infliximab） have been tried with varying degrees of success. Combined medical （including infliximab） and less aggressive surgical therapy （drainage and seton placement） offer the best outcomes in complex Crohn＇s fistulas while more aggressive surgical procedures such as fistulotomy or fistulectomy may increase the risk of incontinence. This review will focus on emerging novel treatments for perianal disease in Crohn＇s patients. These include locally applied infliximab or tacrolimus, fistula plugs, instillation of fibrin glue and the use of adult expanded adipose-derived stem cell injection. More welldesigned controlled studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of these emerging treatments.     

Successful Sphincter-Sparing Surgery for All Anal Fistulas

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the success of a sphincter-sparing treatment algorithm for patients with anal fistulas. Methods All patients with anal fistulas presenting to a single surgeon from 1999 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were treated according to a sphincter-sparing algorithm that utilized three operative approaches: subcutaneous fistulotomy, seton placement followed by fibrin glue, and/or seton placement followed by rectal advancement flap. Data analyzed included: age, gender, type of fistula, operative intervention, treatment success, and functional results. Results A total of 137 patients with anal fistulas were evaluated (age range, 23–74 years). Fistula etiology was cryptoglandular in 116 (85 percent), inflammatory bowel disease in 9 (7 percent), HIV in 3 (2 percent), and miscellaneous in 9 (7 percent). A subcutaneous fistulotomy was possible in 38 patients (28 percent), and all of these patients healed. The remaining 99 patients (72 percent) with transsphincteric fistulas underwent staged procedures: 89 patients (65 percent) underwent seton placement followed by fibrin glue closure (55 healed, 62 percent success rate), 9 patients had seton placement followed by flap (9 healed, 100 percent success rate), and 1 patient had seton placement alone. Of the 34 patients with fibrin glue failure, retreatment with glue was successful in 8 of 14 (57 percent success rate). The remaining 20 patients who declined glue retreatment and the 6 patients who failed glue retreatment underwent flap (26 healed, 100 percent success rate). All fistulas healed with an average of two operations per patient, and fecal continence was maintained in all patients. Conclusions By using staged operative procedures without any division of anal sphincter muscle, all fistulas healed with excellent functional results. A sphincter-sparing approach can successfully treat all anal fistulas. Presented at the Tripartite Colorectal Meeting, Dublin, Ireland, July 5 to 7, 2005. Reprints are not available.     

Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of Highly Concentrated Fibrin Glue in the Treatment of Complex Cryptogenic Perianal Fistulas

PURPOSE The surgical management of complex perianal fistulas is challenging and may be associated with the risk of sphincter injury. Instillation of fibrin glue to the fistula tract is a simple procedure that does not involve any muscle division, and potentially results in healing of the fistula. This study was designed to assess the use of highly concentrated fibrin glue with intra-adhesive antibiotics in the treatment of complex cryptogenic perianal fistulas. METHODS Patients with complex perianal fistulas of cryptogenic origin were prospectively included in this multicenter study. Injection of the fibrin glue mixed with antibiotics was performed in a uniform fashion. After the procedure, patients were actively examined at fixed time intervals; in cases of recurrent fistula, reinjection of fibrin glue was offered. RESULTS Sixty patients were enrolled; complete healing of the fistula was achieved in 32 patients (53 percent). Eight of 28 patients (29 percent) who were not completely healed had significant symptomatic improvement. All patients resumed normal daily activity the day after surgery and none had any deterioration in continence related to the procedure. The majority of the 26 (43 percent) adverse events were considered mild and spontaneously resolved; 2 patients (3 percent) with perianal septic complications were successfully treated by drainage. CONCLUSIONS Injection of fibrin glue for the treatment of perianal fistulas is safe, simple, and associated with early return to normal activity. Although moderately successful, it may preclude extensive surgery in more than one-half of these patients. The fibrin glue for this study was supplied by Omrix, Israel. The podium presentation was supported by Omrix, Israel. Reprints are not available. Podium presentation at the meeting of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Budapest, Hungary, June 6 to 10, 2004.     

Cutting seton without preliminary internal sphincterotomy in management of complex high fistula-in-ano

PURPOSE: The traditional treatment of a complex high fistula-in-ano by internal sphincterotomy and insertion of a cutting seton carries a risk of fecal incontinence. We have assessed the functional impact of treating patients with a complex fistula-in-ano by a cutting seton fistulotomy technique that preserves the internal sphincter. METHODS: The operative steps consisted of initial eradication of sepsis, identification of the internal and external openings of the fistula tract, excision of the fistula tract with anal canal mucosa, and insertion of a cutting silk seton around both the internal and external sphincters. In this way open drainage of the intersphincteric space was avoided, and integrity of the internal sphincter was maintained. Functional outcome following treatment with this technique, with regard to fistula eradication and effect on fecal continence was assessed in 27 patients (15 males) who were treated during a six-year period. Twenty-three patients (85 percent) had a history of previous fistula surgery. RESULTS: The fistula was cured in 26 patients (96 percent) with no reports of altered continence at the time of discharge from outpatient review. Recurrence developed in one patient (4 percent) in whom hidradenitis suppurativa was subsequently diagnosed. All four patients with Crohn's disease had their fistulas eradicated; three (75 percent) have subsequently undergone proctectomy for severe perianal and rectal Crohn's involvement. Long-term follow-up revealed three patients (19 percent, all rectovaginal fistulas) who experienced a deterioration in continence after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Although this procedure may not be appropriate for rectovaginal fistulas, the data suggest that cutting setons are effective in treating complex fistula-in-ano, including those that have failed to respond to other forms of surgery. Avoidance of preliminary internal sphincterotomy may prevent deterioration in continence.Published in abstract form inGut 1992;33:156A and Int J Colorectal Dis 1992;7:232.     

Long-Term Outlook after Successful Fibrin Glue Ablation of Cryptoglandular Transsphincteric Fistula-in-Ano

Purpose

Initial success rates for fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas have been disappointing. We examined long-term outcomes after initially successful fibrin glue ablation of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas.

Methods

Retrospective review identified 36 adult patients with cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistula Tisseel VH® fibrin glue ablation that was performed from May 2000 to March 2005. Fibrin glue ablations were performed under supervision of fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons. Follow-up interval was based on time until recurrence of fistula or time of last fistula-free evaluation.

Results

Twenty-four men and 12 women patients had a mean age of 50 (range, 27–85) years. Twenty patients responded to initial fibrin glue ablation treatment. Two additional patients healed with secondary fibrin glue ablation. Sixty-six percent (22/33 patients) of cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas were closed at three months. Eleven patients failed fibrin glue ablation at a mean of 33 (range, 6–41) days. Seventeen of 22 short-term success patients (3 months) were available for long-term follow-up. Ninety-four percent (16/17 patients) remained healed at final long-term follow-up. The remaining patient recurred just before the six-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Despite the suboptimal early success rate of fibrin glue ablation for cryptoglandular transsphincteric fistulas, when a fistula does close for at least six months this appears to be a durable closure. A single patient recurred after appearing healed at the three-month check.

     

Fibrin Glue for Anal Fistulas

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term success and complication rate of fibrin-glue treatment of anal fistulas. METHODS: Patients with an anal fistula presenting to a single surgeon over a three-year period were enrolled in this study. At their first operation, all 48 patients (26–72 years old) underwent anoscopy, biopsy, destruction of the internal gland, and placement of a draining seton. Approximately two months later after preoperative bowel preparation, the seton was removed, the internal opening closed with a single suture, and fibrin glue instilled by way of the external opening to seal the fistula tract. Patients were followed closely to document the results of treatment and any complications. Long-term follow-up was done by telephone interview. RESULTS: Cause of the anal fistula was cryptoglandular in 36 (75 percent) patients, Crohns disease in 5 (10 percent), and miscellaneous in 7 (15 percent). Median follow-up was 22 months (range, 6–46 months). After a single treatment with fibrin glue, 29 (60 percent) fistulas closed. Retreatment with fibrin glue brought the successful number of fistula tracts closed to 33 (69 percent). The 15 (29 percent) patients who failed either one or two treatments with fibrin glue were successfully treated with either fistulotomy or advancement flap. Bowel function and fecal incontinence were not altered by the fibrin-glue treatment. In one patient who failed fibrin glue, the fibrin-glue treatment may have created a more complicated fistula tract. Late recurrences (>6 months) occurred in three (6 percent) patients, two of whom were successfully retreated with fibrin glue. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin-glue treatment of anal fistulas is successful in up to 69 percent of patients if initial failures are retreated. This sphincter-saving technique is associated with minimal complications and no functional detriment. Late recurrences are unusual.     

Autologous fibrin glue in the treatment of rectovaginal and complex fistulas

This nonrandomized series reports the use of autologous fibrin glue to treat complex rectovaginal and anorectal fistulas. The use of an autologous source to prepare fibrin glue eliminates the risk of disease transmission. Ten patients, six women and four men, with complex fistulas were treated with autologous fibrin glue application. Five patients had rectovaginal fistulas; one of them had Crohn's disease. Five patients had complex anal fistulas; two of them had Crohn's disease, and one had a large postanal ulcer associated with HIV disease. All patients had outpatient preoperative mechanical bowel preparation and prophylactic parenteral antibiotics. Six of the ten patients (60 percent) reported complete healing of the fistulas. Follow-up ranged from three months to one year. Four of five rectovaginal fistulas healed. The two patients with Crohn's disease and complex anal fistulas and the patient with HIV disease did not heal, but all three reported significantly less drainage. Autologous fibrin glue is a viable alternative for the treatment of recurrent rectovaginal and complex abscess/fistulas.     

Controlled, randomized trial of island flap anoplasty for treatment of trans–sphincteric fistula–in-ano: early results

Treatment of trans–sphincteric fistula is usually a compromise between recurrence and incontinence. Dermal island flap anoplasty has been found to be useful in the treatment of these fistulas. We performed a randomized trial to compare dermal island flap anoplasty with conventional treatment for trans–sphincteric fistula–in–ano. Seventy nine patients with fistula–in–ano were recruited; twenty patients with trans–sphincteric fistula confirmed by endoanal ultrasound were prospectively randomized to receive either dermal island flap anoplasty (IFA) or conventional treatment (CVN) for trans–sphincteric fistula–inano. Conventional treatment consisted of lay open fistulotomy or seton insertion if deemed unsuitable for fistulotomy. Dermal island flap anoplasty involved a cutaneous advancement flap into the rectum. Pain scores, fecal incontinence scores, operative complications, wound healing and recurrence rates were charted. Two patients in the CVN group required seton insertions, which were still intact at the 9–month follow–up. Two patients with similar high trans–sphincteric fistula in the IFA group avoided having a long–term seton. There were no differences in the postoperative pain score, incontinence score, complications, wound healing and recurrence rates between the two groups. IFA is a safe and useful method for treating transsphincteric fistula. It can be considered when a suprasphincteric extension is suspected, thus avoiding risk of incontinence or the discomfort of a long–term seton.     

A randomized,controlled trial of fibrin glue vs. conventional treatment for anal fistula

PURPOSE: Fibrin glue is a novel treatment for anal fistulas and possesses many advantages in the treatment of difficult high fistulas. Fibrin glue treatment is simple and repeatable; failure does not compromise further treatment options; and sphincter function is preserved. We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with low and high anal fistulas randomly assigned to either fibrin glue or conventional treatment. METHODS: Patients with simple fistulas (low fistulas) and complex fistulas (high, Crohns, and low fistulas with compromised sphincters) were randomly assigned to either fibrin glue or conventional treatment (fistulotomy or loose seton insertion with or without subsequent advancement flap). Patients with rectovaginal fistulas and anal fistulas associated with chronic cavities, acute sepsis, and side branches were excluded. The primary end point was fistula healing. Secondary end points were complications, changes in preoperative continence score, changes in maximum resting and squeeze pressure, satisfaction scores, and pain scores and time off work (simple fistulas only). RESULTS: Patients in the fibrin glue and conventional treatment arms were well matched for gender, median age, duration of fistula symptoms, and follow-up. Fibrin glue healed three (50 percent) of six and fistulotomy seven (100 percent) of seven simple fistulas (difference, 50 percent; confidence interval, 10 to 90 percent; P = 0.06, Fishers exact probability test). There was no change in baseline incontinence score, maximum resting pressures, or squeeze pressures between the study arms. Return to work was quicker in the glue arm, but pain scores were similar and satisfaction scores higher in the fistulotomy group. Fibrin glue healed 9 (69 percent) of 13 and conventional treatment 2 (13 percent) of 16 complex fistulas (difference, 56 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 25.9 to 86.1 percent; P = 0.003, Fishers exact probability test). There was no change in baseline incontinence score, maximum resting pressures, or squeeze pressures in either study arm. Satisfaction scores were higher in the fibrin glue group. CONCLUSIONS: No advantage was found for fibrin glue over fistulotomy for simple fistulas, but fibrin glue healed more complex fistulas than conventional treatment and with higher patient satisfaction.     

Fibrin Glue as an Adjunct to Flap Repair of Anal Fistulas: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Purpose Both flap repair and fibrin glue are accepted sphincter-preserving techniques for managing anal fistulas. Additionally, the two techniques are not mutually exclusive and can be combined. This trial was undertaken to determine whether the combination of flap repair and fibrin glue resulted in better outcomes than flap repair alone. Methods Between July 2000 and March 2004, patients with transsphincteric anal fistulas were randomly assigned to advancement flap repair alone or flap repair combined with fibrin glue obliteration of the fistula tract. Data regarding age, gender, fistula anatomy, race, and previous repairs were collected. Fistulas managed by fistulotomy or caused by Crohn’s disease, acute obstetric trauma, or radiation were excluded from this study. Results There were 58 patients randomized to flap repair alone or flap repair with fibrin glue (47 males; median age, 47 (range, 29–68) years). Mucosal advancement flap was performed in 36 patients and anodermal advancement flap was performed in 22. The median follow-up was 22 (range, 12–36) months. Total fistula recurrence rate for all patients was 32.6 percent. The recurrence rate for fistulas repaired by advancement flap alone was 20 percent, whereas the recurrence rate for fistulas repaired by advancement flap with fibrin glue was 46.4 percent (P < ;0.05). Conclusions The data fail to show improved outcomes when fibrin sealant is used in combination with an advancement flap compared with advancement flap alone for the management of complex anal fistulas. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Dallas, Texas, May 8 to 13, 2004. Reprints are not available.     

Fibrin glue application in the treatment of recurrent anorectal fistulas

PURPOSE: This prospective study was done to analyze the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue application in the healing or closure of recurrent anorectal fistulas. Autologous cryoprecipitate was used as fibrin glue in all patients. This group included complex anorectal fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas, and urethrovesicorectal fistulas. METHODS: Patients were given bowel preparation and intravenous antibiotics before the procedure. Fistulas were curetted before injection of fibrin glue. RESULTS: Overall success rate was 60 percent. Patients with fistulas associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the urinary tract failed to respond. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: The results of fibrin glue use in this small series of recurrent fistulas is appealing. This use of fibrin glue can be done as an outpatient procedure as a minimally invasive technique, without any significant complications. It can be offered as an alternative to conventional surgery in recurrent fistulas.Presented in part at the XVII Biennial Congress of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Malmö, Sweden, June 7 to 11, 1998.     

Endorectal sliding flap repair of complicated anterior anoperineal fistulas

This report presents experience with a safe and effective form of treatment for anal fistulas that involve a significant portion of the sphincter mechanism. The technique includes removal of the involved crypt, closure of the internal opening with a sliding endorectal flap, and counter drainage of the fistula tract. This series includes eight patients treated over a five-year period with a follow-up of up to five years. This limited series had no complications and one case of early recurrence. Most of these patients had had previous failed attempts at correction of the fistula. The main advantage of this mode of treatment is preservation of the integrity of the sphincter muscle, thus avoiding the high risk of incontinence that is inherent especially with anteriorly located fistulas in females. It is proposed that, because it does not transect the sphincter anteriorly, this technique is safer than the placement of setons, as has been previously advised for management of anterior fistulas. The different treatment techniques for anal fistulas, including complications, recurrence rates, surgical techniques, and indications for types of management are reviewed. Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Houston, Texas, May 11 to 15, 1986.