title: Imaging anal fistula.
abstract: The management of fistula-in-ano has been based on digital examination and operative findings. MR imaging has shown significant limitations to this approach, particularly in the management of recurrent fistula. The most cost-effective approach may be using a combination of endosonography and MR imaging. Preoperative confirmation of fistula complexity facilitates surgery planning of sphincter saving techniques and prevents sepsis being missed, which has been shown to reduce recurrence. Imaging has a significant role to play in this condition to improve patient outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intestinal Imaging, Imperial College of London, Faculty of Medicine, London, United Kingdom. c.bartram@ic.ac.uk
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bartram
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buchanan
mesh_terms: D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging