Comparison between recent sphincter-sparing procedures for complex anal fistulas-ligation of intersphincteric tract vs transanal opening of intersphincteric space

Complex anal fistulas are difficult to treat.The main reasons for this are a higher recurrence rate and the risk of disrupting the continence mechanism because of sphincter involvement.Due to this,several sphincter-sparing procedures have been developed in the last two decades.Though moderately successful in simple fistulas(50%-75%healing rate),the healing rates in complex fistulas for most of these procedures has been dismal.Only two procedures,ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract and transanal opening of intersphincteric space have been shown to have good success rates in complex fistulas(60%-95%).Both of these procedures preserve continence while achieving high success rates.In this opinion review,I shall outline the history,compare the pros and cons,indications and contraindications and future application of both these procedures for the management of complex anal fistulas.

Efficacy of Kegel exercises in preventing incontinence after partial division of internal anal sphincter during anal fistula surgery

BACKGROUND The transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS)procedure,performed to treat complex anal fistulas,preserves the external anal sphincter(EAS)but involves partial incision of the internal anal sphincter(IAS).AIM To ascertain the incidence of incontinence after the division of the IAS as is done in TROPIS and to evaluate whether regular Kegel exercises(KE)in the postoperative period can prevent incontinence due to IAS division.METHODS Patients operated on for high complex fistulas and having no preoperative continence problem(score=0)were included in the study.All patients were operated on by the TROPIS procedure and were recommended KE(pelvic contraction exercises)50 times/day.KE were commenced on the 10^(th)postoperative day and continued for 1 year.Incontinence was evaluated objectively(by modified Vaizey’s scores)in the immediate postoperative period(Pre-KE group)and on long-term follow-up(Post-KE group).The incontinence scores in both groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy of KE.RESULTS Of 102 anal fistula patients operated on between July 2018 and July 2020 were included in this study.There were 90 males,the mean age was 42.3±12.8,and the median follow-up was 30 mo(18-42 mo).Three patients were lost to follow-up.There were 65 recurrent fistulas,92 had multiple tracts,42 had associated abscess,46 had horseshoe fistula and 34 were supralevator fistulas.All were magnetic resonance imaging-documented high fistulas(>1/3 EAS involved).Overall incontinence occurred in 31%patients(Pre-KE group)with urge and gas incontinence accounting for the majority of cases(28.3%).The mean incontinence scores in the Pre-KE group were 1.19±1.96(in 31 patients,solid=0,liquid=7,gas=8,urge=24)and in the Post-KE group were 0.26±0.77(in 13 patients,solid=0,liquid=2,gas=3,urge=10)(P=0.00001,t-test).CONCLUSION Division of the IAS led to incontinence,mainly urge incontinence,and also to a mild degree of gas and liquid incontinence.However,regular KE led to a significant reduction in incontinence(both in the number of affected patients and the severity of scores in these patients).