Long-term, indwelling setons for low transsphincteric and intersphincteric anal fistulas. Experience with 108 cases.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the technique and results of long-term, indwelling setons for low transsphincteric and intersphincteric anal fistulas.


METHODS
Long-term, indwelling setons were performed in 108 consecutive patients with low transsphincteric and intersphincteric anal fistulas. Progress and results of 73.1 percent of cases were assessed in a retrospective study.


RESULTS
Therapy lasted for an average of 54.8 weeks; mean follow-up was 62 weeks. Relapse occurred in 3.7 percent of cases and incontinence in 0.9 percent. Average period spent in a hospital was 0.3 days/case.


CONCLUSIONS
A long-term, indwelling seton is a good alternative to primary surgical treatment of low transsphincteric and intersphincteric anal fistulas. Relapse quota is comparable with that of primary surgically treated cases; incontinence is rarer with long-term, indwelling seton. Complete treatment can generally be performed in the outpatient department. One disadvantage is that therapy takes much longer than cases treated by primary surgery.
Lentner
A
A
University Clinic Aachen, Germany.
Wienert
V
V
D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome