title: Length of follow-up after fistulotomy and fistulectomy associated with endorectal advancement flap repair for fistula in ano.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The length of follow-up required after surgical repair of cryptoglandular fistula in ano has not been established. This prospective study determined the follow-up time needed to establish that an anal fistula has been cured after elective fistulotomy or fistulectomy associated with endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2001 and June 2004, consecutive patients with anal fistula of cryptoglandular aetiology were included provided that they lived within the catchment area of the hospital and agreed to participate in a follow-up programme, which comprised scheduled visits every month until complete wound healing and annually thereafter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Some 206 of 219 eligible patients were evaluable; fistulotomy was performed in 115 and ERAF repair in 91. Median follow-up was 42 (range 24-65) months. Eighteen patients had recurrence of the fistula during follow-up, with a median time to relapse of 5.0 (range 1.0-11.7) months. There were no recurrences after 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recurrence of fistula in ano of cryptoglandular origin treated by means of fistulotomy or ERAF repair occurs within the first year of operation.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Coloproctology, Department of Surgery, Hospital Virgen del Camino, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. hortizhu@cfnavarra.es
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marzo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Miguel
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ciga
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Oteiza
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Armendariz
mesh_terms: D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology