STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery Review Article

Evaluating the Benefits of Lift Procedure for Fistula in Ano: A Peripheral Centre Experience

  1. Gurmeet Singh Sarla MH Khadki, Pune
  2. Zenith Mohanty MH Panjim, Panaji

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery is considered the only definitive treatment for anal fistula. Many surgical techniques have been described. The aim of this study was to communicate the authors’ preliminary experience in the use of a very recent, simplified technique, at a peripheral surgical centre. Patients And Methods: This was a retrospective study of 10 patients of Fistula-in-ano admitted from October 2021 through September 2023. Patients were managed with the ligation of inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique and results were observed and documented, including operative time and ease, wound healing and postoperative complications.

Results: A total of 10 patients were studied. The mean operation time was 32.5 minutes (range 27 to 41 minutes), and there were no intra- and postoperative complications. The overall mean complete healing time was 21.1 days with range 19-25 days, and the recurrence and complication rate was 0%. Follow-up was conducted at 1 & 3 months.

Conclusion: Many surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of anal fistula. The correct choice of surgical technique out of available procedures is the most important factor for proper treatment and reducing the risk of recurrence or incontinence. In the authors’ experience, the LIFT is simple, easy to learn & replicable technique, and is a good choice for the treatment of simple anal fistula especially at a peripheral or rural set-up; however, a tailored surgery remains the gold standard for this condition

Keywords

References (10)

  1. Cianci P, Tartaglia N, Fersini A, Giambavicchio LL, Neri V, Ambrosi A. The Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Technique: A Preliminary Experience. Annals of Coloproctology. 2019;35(5):238-241. doi:10.3393/ac.2018.08.16.1
  2. Parks AG, Gordon PH, Hardcastle JD. A classification of fistulain-ano. Br J Surg. 1976;63:1–12. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Parks AG, Stitz RW. The treatment of high fistula-in-ano. Dis Colon Rectum. 1976;19:487–99. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Rojanasakul A, Pattanaarun J, Sahakitrungruang C, et al. Total anal sphincter saving technique for fistula-in-ano; the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90:581–6. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Malakorn S, Sammour T, Khomvilai S, Chowchankit I, Gunarasa S, Kanjanasilp P, et al. Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract for Fistula in Ano: Lessons Learned From a Decade of Experience. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2017;60(10):1065-1070. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000000880
  6. Kang WH, Yang HK, Chang HJ, Ko YT, Yoo BE, Lim CH, et al. High ligation of the anal fistula tract by lateral approach: A prospective cohort study on a modification of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique. International Journal of Surgery. 2018;60:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.08.008
  7. Zahra A, Malla J, Selvaraj R, Dhanoa RK, Venugopal S, Shoukrie SI, et al. A Comparison of Different Surgical Treatments for Complex Anal Fistula: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022. doi:10.7759/cureus.28289
  8. Hong KD, Kang S, Kalaskar S, Wexner SD. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) to treat anal fistula: systematic review and meta-analysis. Techniques in Coloproctology. 2014;18(8):685-691. doi:10.1007/s10151-014-1183-3
  9. Vergara-Fernandez O. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract: What is the evidence in a review? World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2013;19(40):6805. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i40.6805
  10. Parthasarathi R, Gomes RM, Rajapandian S, Sathiamurthy R, Praveenraj P, Senthilnathan P, et al. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for the treatment of fistula‐in‐ano: experience of a tertiary care centre in South India. Colorectal Disease. 2016;18(5):496-502. doi:10.1111/codi.13162
Support