OBJECTIVE
To assess the treatment outcome of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug(LIFT-plug) for transsphincteric perianal fistulas.
METHODS
Clinical data of 36 patients with transsphincteric perianal fiftula who were managed by the LIFT-plug technique between November 2010 and February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Clinical healing of the fistula, defined as the absence of drainage with no evidence of residual fistula tract, occurred in 34(94.4%) patients. The operative time ranged from 12 to 35 minutes(mean, 17 minutes). The median postoperative length of stay was 5 days. The median healing time was 18 days. No complications requiring intervention occurred. The postoperative follow up was at least 3 months and two patients had recurrence(5.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
LIFT-plug procedure for the management of transsphincteric perianal fistulas is simple with high healing rate, minimal invasiveness, quick healing, and without disturbance to anal function. LIFT-plug is an ideal procedure for intrasphinteric fistula.