Role of the seton in the management of anorectal fistulas.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the incidence of major fecal incontinence and recurrence after staged fistulotomy using a seton.


METHODS
A five-year retrospective chart review of 116 patients (70 males and 46 females) ranging in age from 18 to 81 years (mean, 42 years), in whom setons were placed as part of a surgical procedure for anorectal fistulas, was carried out. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 61 months (mean, 23 months).


RESULTS
Setons were employed to identify and promote fibrosis around a complex anorectal fistula as part of a staged fistulotomy in 65 patients (56 percent). Other indications for seton placement included 24 women with anteriorly situated high transsphincteric fistulas (21 percent) and three patients with massive anorectal sepsis (floating, freestanding anus) (2.5 percent). In addition, setons were used to preclude premature skin closure and promote controlled long-term fistula drainage in 21 patients with severe anorectal Crohn's disease (18 percent) and in three patients with AIDS (2.5 percent). Major fecal incontinence (requiring the use of a perineal pad) occurred in five patients (5 percent), and recurrent fistulas were noted in three (3 percent).


CONCLUSIONS
Staged fistulotomy using a seton is a safe and effective method of treating high or complicated anorectal fistulas.
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
R K
RK
Pearl
J R
JR
Andrews
C P
CP
Orsay
R I
RI
Weisman
M L
ML
Prasad
R L
RL
Nelson
J R
JR
Cintron
H
H
Abcarian
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology