Ano-cutaneous flap repair for complex and recurrent supra-sphincteric anal fistula.
BACKGROUND
Suprasphincteric fistulae remain the most difficult to cure.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing rate of suprasphincteric anal fistula treated by ano-cutaneous advancement flap repair, and the impact of this procedure on continence and quality of life.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with complex, recurrent or chronic suprasphincteric fistulae associated with significant tissue damage (necrotizing fasciitis, keyhole deformity and anal stenosis) or who had failed previous surgical procedures were treated by ano-cutaneous flap closure. They were assessed pre and postoperatively by the treating surgeon for wound healing and fistula recurrence and later followed up by phone interview using the St Mark's Hospital incontinence score and the Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) as indicators of treatment outcome.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients had successful healing of their fistula with the cutaneous flap, with recurrence in only one. The most common short-term complications were minor graft site wound separation, which healed in all cases without intervention, and wound pain, which settled over time and was not associated with recurrence. Continence improved for almost 70% of the patients, with a significant reduction in St Mark's incontinence scores (t = 2.62, 15 d.f., P = 0.02). PDAI also decreased significantly (t = 7.55, 15 d.f., P < 0.001), demonstrating improvement in quality of life for most patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Ano-cutaneous flap can achieve healing of complex and recurrent suprasphincteric anal fistula in patients who had previously failed at other forms of treatment thus improving their quality of life and continence.
Hossack
T
T
University of Sydney, Department of Colorectal Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Solomon
M J
MJ
Young
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing