title: Puerto Rico experience with plugs in the treatment of anal fistulas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anorectal fistula is a common problem that affects quality of life. Main objective of therapy has been to eradicate the fistula tract while preserving fecal continence. Latest good results for anal fistula treatment have been an anal fistula plug. This study was undertaken to determine if these results could be reproduced in Puerto Rico.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2003 to January 2008, two experienced colorectal surgeons performed this new operation in 23 consecutive patients. A multivariable analysis was undertaken including age, sex, location of the fistula, previous surgeries, Seton placement before the insertion of the plug, continence pre and post operation, as well as close follow up. No patient with inflammatory bowel disease was included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We had a good result or healing of the fistula in 14 of 23 patients for a success rate of 60%. We had a subgroup of patients who did slightly better and had a healing rate of 66% compared to the 60% of the whole group. It appears to be a trend in favor of the Seton group but is not statically significant. We had 9 failures of 23 patients or 39%. Suppuration was noticed in three patients and all three had failures of the plug with recurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new operation is another alternative to add to our armamentarium but we need to search for an operation that decreases the incidence of recurrences we had in our study while maintaining function of the sphincters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Auxilio Mutuo Hospital, Rio Piedras, PR. liegio@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Echenique
authors.forename: Juan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Mella
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rosado
authors.forename: Ignacio A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Echenique
authors.forename: Maria T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Mella
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quevedo