Radio frequency "sutureless" fistulotomy- a new way of treating fistula in anus.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of the classical lay open technique or fistulotomy with the radio frequency surgical device in the treatment of fistula in anus.


METHODS
In our study, the conventional 'lay open' technique, or 'fistulotomy' was performed by employing the radio frequency surgical device as an alternative to the traditional knife and scissors. In a span of 18 months starting from July 1999 to December 2000, 210 cases with fistula in anus of varied types were operated in our nursing home exclusively applying the radio frequency device.


RESULTS
The results of the study were not only encouraging but also were satisfactory. A follow up of the operated patients with radio frequency surgery over a period of 15 months, i.e. from December 2000 to March 2002 was summarized as below: (a) average time taken by the patient to resume routine - 7 days; (b) none of the patient had any interference with the continence; (c) the wounds were found healed within an average time of 47 days; (d) delayed wound healing was noticed only in 7 patients; (e) recurrence/ failure rate was reduced to as low as 1.5 percent.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique has been found superior to the conventional fistulotomy in the sense that the time taken for the whole procedure is reduced to almost half, chances of bleeding are reduced to a minimum and the use of suture material is dispensed with. The procedure can safely be called a "Sutureless fistulotomy".
Gupta
Pravin J
PJ
Gupta Nursing Home, D/9, Laxminagar, NAGPUR- 440022, India. drpjg@yahoo.co.in
D000328:Adult; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*