title: Outcomes with the use of bioprosthetic grafts to reinforce the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (BioLIFT procedure) for the management of complex anal fistulas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to determine the outcomes of patients whose complex anal fistulas were managed by ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract reinforced with a bioprosthetic graft (BioLIFT procedure).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients whose anal fistula was managed by use of the BioLIFT technique between May 2005 and May 2008, who had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after their last treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The BioLIFT technique using a bioprosthetic graft was used to treat a complex anal fistula in 31 patients (22 men, 9 women; mean age, 48 y (range, 30-68 y). Clinical healing of the fistula, defined as the absence of drainage with no evidence of residual fistula tract, occurred in 29 (94%) patients. No complications occurred that required intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BioLIFT procedure is effective for the management of complex fistulas-in-ano. Randomized clinical trials comparing this technique with other sphincter-preserving methods for fistula management need to be performed to further determine the role of this technique in the management of anal fistulas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA. nellis@wpahs.org
authors.forename: C Neal
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome