title: Evaluation of the cutting seton as a method of treatment for perianal fistula.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Perianal fistulas are distressing for the patient and sometimes a challenge for the surgeon. Different methods for the treatment of perianal fistulas have a range of success rates and use of the cutting seton is still debatable.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the recurrence, success rate and incontinence with the cutting seton method for treating perianal fistula.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied all patients with high perianal fistula admitted to the department of general surgery in our hospital with a diagnosis of perianal fistula in the period from December 2012 to December 2013 (12 months). Patients were followed for postoperative recurrence and incontinence rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome measured was either complete cure or recurrence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-one patients underwent cutting seton insertion for fistula in ano. The recurrence rate was 9.8%. The postoperative rate of incontinence was 15.7% to flatus and 5.9% to fluid stools. There was no incontinence to solid stools.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cutting seton is a valid option for a complex fistula in ano, but in female patients and those with previous peri-anal surgery, other surgical options are advised.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with low perianal fistula, Crohn's disease, acute perianal abscess and patients with major incontinence were excluded.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Salah M. Raslan, Department of General Surgery,, Ain Shams University,, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt, F: 0020226837673 salah_raslan1@yahoo.com, ORCID ID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9897-9717.
authors.forename: Salah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Raslan
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aladwani
authors.forename: Nasser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alsanea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence