title: Full thickness transrectal advancement flap for high anal fistula.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the results of full thickness transrectal advancement flap for the treatment of high anal fistula.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case study analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A primary healing rate of 71% was achieved and overall with further operative procedures, 97% healed. Only one patient, who had Crohn's disease, has not healed and has a stoma. Four patients had a successful second full thickness flap repair after primary failure. The result for patients with intestinal Crohn's disease was less satisfactory, with a recurrence rate of 50% in six patients. Disturbed continence was seen in four (12%) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of full thickness transrectal advancement flap were satisfactory in the treatment of high anal fistulae. The overall rate of healing was high and there was a low incidence of disturbed continence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.lastname: Stitz
authors.lastname: Lumley