Laser coagulation in combination with LIFT for transsphincteric anal fistulas

Abstract

Aim: to improve the results of fistula treatment, to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of LIFT and FiLaC techniques.Patients and methods: the study included 35 patients with transsphincter fistulas of cryptopglandular etiology involved more than 1/3 of the sphincter. All patients underwent surgery with laser energy (the laser conductor speed is 1 mm per second, the wavelength is 1470 nm, the radiation output is 13 W) after the LIFT procedure.Results: the primary healing rate was 28/35 (80,0%). The patients who failed the combined procedure (cases of prolonged healing more than 3 months) underwent a second procedure ReFiLaC, which led to the closure of fistula in 2 of 3 patients. A median follow-up period was 10,2 months. No incontinence to solid and liquid stools was detected.Conclusion: preliminary results of the study permits to assess the potential of the combined low-invasive approach for anal fistulas as positive.