Our Classic Treatment of Anal Fistula

Abstract

This paper describes our classic methods for the treatment of anal fistula and their availability.
The subjects were 253 patients with anal fistula: 29 cases of subcutaneous fistula, 188 of low intersphincteric fistula, 15 in high intersphincteric fistula, 17 of ischiorectal fistula, and 4 of pelvirectal fistula.
The following results were obtained.
1. Each type of fistula could be treated with the classic methods in our office.
2. The mean healing period was 42.7 days.
3. Delayed healing (more than 8 months) appeared in 3 patients.
4. The incidence of faecal and/or flatus incontinence occurred in 3 patients: 1 case of high intersphincteric fistula and 2 of ischiorectal fistula.
5. Recurrence occurred in only 4 patients.
In conclusion, our classic methods seem to be extremely useful in the office treatment of anal fistula.