Long-term success rate after surgical treatment of anorectal and rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn's disease

Novel Approach in Rectovaginal Fistula Treatment: Combination of Modified Martius Flap and Autologous Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue

In this paper, we introduce an innovative therapeutic approach for managing rectovaginal fistulas (RVF), by combining the modified Martius flap and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) enriched with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). This novel approach aims to deal with the difficulties associated with RVF, a medically complex condition with a lack of effective treatment options. We present the case of a 45-year-old female patient with a 15-year history of Crohn's disease (CD). During the preceding eight years, she had encountered substantial difficulties resulting from a rectovaginal fistula (RVF) that was active and considerable in size (measuring 3.5 cm in length and 1 cm in width). Her condition was accompanied by tissue alterations at both the vaginal and rectal openings. Following her admission to our hospital, the patient's case was discussed during both surgical and multidisciplinary hospital team (IRB) meetings. The team decided to combine a modified Martius flap with autologous MFAT containing MSCs. The results were remarkable, leading to comprehensive anatomical and clinical resolution of the RVF. Equally significant was the improvement in the patient's overall quality of life and sexual satisfaction during the one-year follow-up period. The integration of the modified Martius flap with MFAT emerges as a highly promising approach for addressing CD-related RVFs that had historically been, and still are, difficult to treat, given their often refractory nature and low healing success rates.

Rectovaginal Fistula in Crohn's Disease: When and How to Operate?

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) occurring during the course of Crohn's disease (CD) constitutes a therapeutic challenge and is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. To optimize the outcome of CD-related RVF repair, the best conditions for correct healing should be obtained. Remission of CD should be achieved with no active proctitis, the perianal CD activity should be minimized, and local septic complications should be controlled. The objective of surgical repair is to close the fistula tract with minimal recurrence and functional disturbance. Several therapeutic strategies exist and the approach should be tailored to the anatomy of the RVF and the quality of the local supporting tissues. Herein, we review the medical and surgical management of CD-related RVF.

Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease treatment: a low long-term success rate and a high definitive stoma risk after a conservative surgical approach

BACKGROUND

Management of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) in Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging. Available studies are heterogeneous and retrospective, with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess the overall long-term medico-surgical treatment results in women with RVF due to CD.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients operated on for RVF in CD from September 1996 to November 2019 at a tertiary teaching hospital. All surgeries were classified as preliminary, closure, or salvage procedures. Primary outcome was fistula remission defined as the combination of fistula closure and no stoma, at least 6 months since last procedure.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (median age 34 [range 21-55] years), with a median follow-up of 11.3 years (0-23.7) after first surgery, were included. Altogether, 138 procedures were performed; 36 (26%) preliminary, 80 (58%) closure, and 13 (9%) salvage procedures. RVF remission was obtained in 7/32 patients (22%). At the end of follow-up, a stoma was present in 13/32 patients (41%). The percentage of time on biologics was 86% for patients in remission, versus 36% for the others (p = 0.0057). After univariate analysis, only anti-TNF-α was significantly related to successful closure techniques (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The RVF remission rate in CD was low in the long term. However, patients underwent a succession of interventions, and the stoma rate was high. Combination of biologics with surgical management was crucial.

Treatment Strategy for Perianal Fistulas in Crohn Disease Patients: The Surgeon's Point of View

Perianal fistula is a frequent complication and one of the subclassifications of Crohn disease (CD). It is the most commonly observed symptomatic condition by colorectal surgeons. Accurately classifying a perianal fistula is the initial step in its management in CD patients. Surgical management is selected based on the type of perianal fistula and the presence of rectal inflammation; it includes fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton procedure, fistula plug insertion, video-assisted ablation of the fistulous tract, stem cell therapy, and proctectomy with stoma creation. Perianal fistulas are also managed medically, such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologics including anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. The current standard treatment of choice for perianal fistula in CD patients is the multidisciplinary approach combining surgical and medical management; however, the rate of long-term remission is low and is reported to be 50% at most. Therefore, the optimum management strategy for perianal fistulas associated with CD remains controversial. Currently, the goal of management for CD-related perianal fistulas are controlling symptoms and maintaining long-term anal function without proctectomy, while monitoring progression to anorectal carcinoma. This review evaluates perianal fistula in CD patients and determines the optimal surgical management strategy based on recent evidence.

Inflammatory bowel disease position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): Crohn's disease

The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) promoted the project reported here, which consists of a position statement of Italian colorectal surgeons to address the surgical aspects of Crohn's disease management. Members of the society were invited to express their opinions on several items proposed by the writing committee, based on evidence available in the literature. The results are presented, focusing on relevant points. The present paper is not an alternative to available guidelines; rather, it offers a snapshot of the attitudes of SICCR surgeons about the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease. The committee was able to identify some points of major disagreement and suggested strategies to improve quality of available data and acceptance of guidelines.

Management of Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease

Background

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is associated with severe symptoms such as pain, fecal incontinence, and a significant reduction in quality of life.

Results

In refractory cases, many patients face the decision of having a stoma and/or requiring proctectomy. In former years, the standard of care was a complete fistulectomy, bringing with it a high rate of continence disorders. Additionally, many patients received indefinite treatment, namely the placement of a seton to maintain surgical drainage.

Conclusion

More recently, newer biologics, cell-based therapies as well as novel surgical techniques have been introduced, raising new hopes that outcomes can be improved upon.

Outcomes of surgical treatments for rectovaginal fistula and prognostic factors for successful closure: a single-center tertiary hospital experiences

Purpose

Rectovaginal fistula can result from various causes and diverse surgical procedures have developed as a result. We investigated the outcomes of surgical treatments for rectovaginal fistula according to causes and procedures.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2016, 92 patients underwent 128 operations for rectovaginal fistula. Prospectively collected data were recorded, and a retrospective review was conducted.

Results

The median age was 49 years, and low fistula occurred in 58 patients (63.0%). The most common cause was radiation therapy, followed by pelvic operation, birth injury, perineal operation, cancer invasion, and trauma. The most common procedure during the first operation was diverting ostomy alone, followed by transanal rectal advancement flap, sphincteroplasty with perineoplasty, bowel resection, fistulectomy with seton placement, and Martius flap. Thirty-one patients (33.7%) experienced successful closure after the first operation. Repeated operations were performed in 16 patients (17.4%), including gracilis muscle transpositions, stem cell injections, and Martius flaps. The overall success rate was 42.4% (n = 39). Radiation therapy and pelvic operation as cause of fistula were significantly poor prognostic factors (P = 0.010, P = 0.045) and Crohn disease had a tendency for poor prognostic factors (P = 0.058).

Conclusion

Radiation therapy and pelvic operation for cancer were more common causes than birth injury, and these causes of rectovaginal fistula were the most important prognostic factors. An individualized approach and repeated surgeries with complex or newly developed procedures, even among high-risk causes of fistula, may be necessary to achieve successful closure.

Recent advances in the management of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: lessons for the clinic

Managing fistulizing perianal disease is among the most challenging aspects of treating patients with Crohn's disease. Perianal fistulas are indicative of poor long-term prognosis. They are commonly associated with significant morbidities and can have detrimental effects on quality of life. While durable fistula closure is ideal, it is uncommon. In optimal circumstances, reported long-term fistula healing rates are only slightly higher than 50% and recurrence is common. Achieving these results requires a combined medical and surgical approach, highlighting the importance of a highly skilled and collaborative multidisciplinary team. In recent years, advances in imaging, biologic therapies and surgical techniques have lent to growing enthusiasm amongst treatment teams, however the most advantageous approach is yet to be determined. Areas covered: Here we review current management approaches, incorporating recent guidelines and novel therapies. Additionally, we discuss recently published and ongoing studies that will likely impact practice in the coming years. Expert opinion: Investing in concerted collaborative multi-institutional efforts will be necessary to better define optimal timing and dosing of medical therapy, as well as to identify ideal timing and approach of surgical interventions. Standardizing outcome measures can facilitate these efforts. Clearly, experienced multidisciplinary teams will be paramount in this process.

Do the Surgical Outcomes of Rectovaginal Fistula Repairs Differ for Obstetric and Nonobstetric Fistulas? A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Rectovaginal fistulas can occur from both obstetric and nonobstetric (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, iatrogenic, or traumatic) etiologies. Current data on factors contributing to rectovaginal repair success or failure are limited, making adequate patient counseling difficult. Our objective was to compare outcomes of transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed in a single referral center on women with obstetric and nonobstetric causes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women who had a transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed by a urogynecologist at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2015. Data were obtained by chart review and included demographics, medical comorbidities, fistula etiology, history of a prior fistula repair, failure of current repair, time to failure, and operative details. Repair failure was defined as fistula symptoms with presence of recurrent fistula on exam or imaging in the postoperative follow-up period. Comparisons between the obstetric and nonobstetric cohorts were performed using χ, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Relative risks were calculated to identify predictors of failure.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight women were included-53 obstetric and 35 nonobstetric fistulas. The overall fistula repair failure rate was 22.7% (n = 20). Median follow-up was 157.0 days (range, 47.5-402.0). Of all the factors, only nonobstetric etiology was significantly associated with an increased risk of repair failure (relative risk, 3.53 [range, 1.50-8.32]; P = 0.004.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas have a nearly 4-fold increased risk of repair failure compared with obstetric fistulas. Our results will help surgeons adequately counsel patients on potential outcomes of surgical repair of obstetric versus nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Burden and outcomes for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: Systematic review

AIM

To systematically review the literature on epidemiology, disease burden, and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease (CD) patients with complex perianal fistulas.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for relevant articles (published 2000-November 2016) and congress abstracts (published 2011-November 2016).

RESULTS

Of 535 records reviewed, 62 relevant sources were identified (mostly small observational studies). The cumulative incidence of complex perianal fistulas in CD from two referral-centre studies was 12%-14% (follow-up time, 12 years in one study; not reported in the second study). Complex perianal fistulas result in greatly diminished quality of life; up to 59% of patients are at risk of faecal incontinence. Treatments include combinations of medical and surgical interventions and expanded allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells. High proportions of patients experience lack of or inadequate response to treatment (failure and relapse rates, respectively: medical, 12%-73% and 0%-41%; surgical: 0%-100% and 11%-20%; combined medical/surgical: 0%-80% and 0%-50%; stem cells: 29%-47% and not reported). Few studies (1 of infliximab; 3 of surgical interventions) have been conducted in treatment-refractory patients, a population with high unmet needs. Limited data exist on the clinical value of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α dose escalation in patients with complex perianal fistulas in CD.

CONCLUSION

Complex perianal fistulas in CD pose substantial clinical and humanistic burden. There is a need for effective treatments, especially for patients refractory to anti-tumour necrosis factor-α agents, as evidenced by high failure and relapse rates.

Prognostic factors affecting outcomes in fistulating perianal Crohn's disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

One in three patients with Crohn's disease will develop a perianal fistulae, and one third of these will achieve long-term healing or closure. A barrier to conducting well-designed clinical trials for these patients is a lack of understanding of prognostic factors. This systematic review sets out to identify factors associated with prognosis of perianal Crohn's fistulae.

METHODS

This review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42016050316) and conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines along a predefined protocol. English-language studies assessing baseline factors related to outcomes of fistulae treatment in adult patients were included. Searches were performed on MEDLINE and Embase databases. Screening of abstracts and full texts for eligibility was performed prior to extraction of data into predesigned forms. Bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool.

RESULTS

Searches identified 997 papers. Following removal of duplicates and secondary searches, 923 were screened for inclusion. Forty-seven papers were reviewed at full-text level and 13, 2 of which were randomised trials, were included in the final qualitative review. Two studies reported distribution of Crohn's disease as a prognostic factor for healing. Two studies found that CARD15 mutations decreased response of fistulae to antibiotics. Complexity of fistulae anatomy was implicated in prognosis by 4 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review has identified potential prognostic markers, including genetic factors and disease behaviour. We cannot, however, draw robust conclusions from this heterogeneous group of studies; therefore, we recommend that a prospective cohort study of well-characterised patients with Crohn's perianal fistulae is undertaken.

MR Imaging of Perianal Crohn Disease

Pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is currently the standard for imaging perianal Crohn disease. Perianal fistulas are a leading cause of patient morbidity because closure often requires multimodality treatments over a prolonged period of time. This review summarizes clinically relevant anal sphincter anatomy, imaging methods, classification systems, and treatment objectives. In addition, the MR appearance of healing perianal fistulas and fistula complications is described. Difficult imaging tasks including the assessment of rectovaginal fistulas and ileoanal anastomoses are highlighted, along with illustrative cases. Emerging innovative treatments for perianal Crohn disease are now available and have the promise to better control sepsis and maintain fecal continence. Different treatment modalities are selected based on fistula anatomy, patient factors, and management goals (closure versus sepsis control). Radiologists can help maximize patient care by being familiar with MR imaging features of perianal Crohn disease and knowledgeable about what features may influence therapy decisions. ^© RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promotes successful healing in patients with refractory Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

To investigate de adjunctive effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A total of 29 subjects with refractory Crohn's disease were submitted to daily sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, in a 2800 Sechrist Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber (Sechrist, USA) pressurized to 2.4 ATA. Each session lasted 2 hours. The endpoint was closure of enterocutaneous fistulas and complete healing of Pyoderma Gangrenosum and perineal Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

A total of 829 HBOT sessions were performed and no complications were noted. Overall success rate was 76% (22 cases). Pyoderma Gangrenosum and enterocutaneous fistulas had the highest successful healing rates (100% and 91%, respectively). Perineal Crohn's disease healing rate was 65%.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promoted satisfactory healing in a group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease.

Similar outcomes for anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody and immunosuppressant following seton drainage in patients with Crohn's disease-related anal fistula

Anal fistula is common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and leads to significant morbidity. The efficacy of seton drainage combined with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody (anti-TNF-α) or immunosuppressant in the treatment of CD-related anal fistula remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy between seton drainage combined with anti-TNF-α and seton drainage combined with immunosuppressant postoperatively on the treatment of CD-related anal fistula. A total of 65 patients with CD-related anal fistula who had received seton drainage combined with postoperative medication were divided into an antibiotics only group, anti-TNF-α group and immunosuppressant group; all patients were treated with antibiotics. Fistula closure, external orifice exudation rate and recurrence rate were assessed among these patients. The duration of follow-up ranged from 3 to 84 months with an average of 25.3 months. There were 11 (16.9%) cases of recurrence after seton drainage, 9 of which underwent a second seton drainage. In the total study group, 34 (52.3%) cases achieved complete fistula closure, and 10 (15.4%) cases showed external orifice exudation. No significant difference was found among these three groups, regarding fistula closure rate, closure time of fistula and recurrence rate. The external orifice exudation rate was significantly higher in the anti-TNF-α group compared with the antibiotics only group and immunosuppressant group (P=0.004 and P=0.026, respectively). Seton drainage is an effective treatment for CD-related anal fistula. The efficacy is similar whether combined with anti-TNF-α or immunosuppressant.

The two sides of the coin: Similarities and differences in the pathomechanisms of fistulas and stricture formations in irritable bowel disease

Fistulas and fibrosis or strictures represent frequent complications in irritable bowel disease (IBD) patients. To date, treatment options for fistulas are limited and surgery is often required. Similarly, no preventive treatment for fibrosis and stricture formation has been established. Frequently, stricture formation and fibrosis precede fistula formation, indicating that both processes may be connected or interrelated. Knowledge about the pathology of both processes is limited. A crucial role for the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fistula development has been demonstrated. Of note, EMT also plays a major role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in many organs, and most likely also plays that role in the intestine. In addition, aberrant matrix remodeling, as well as soluble factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 13 (IL-13) and tumor growth factor beta (TGFβ) were involved, both in the onset of the fistula and fibrosis formation. Both fistulas and fibrosis may occur due to deregulated wound healing mechanisms from chronic and severe intestinal inflammation; however, further research is required to obtain a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology of fistula and intestinal fibrosis formation, to allow the development of new and more effective preventive treatment options for those important disease complications.

Rectovaginal Fistula: What Is the Optimal Strategy?: An Analysis of 79 Patients Undergoing 286 Procedures

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess results of surgery for rectovaginal fistula (RVF) and prognostic factors for success.

BACKGROUND DATA

Management of RVF remains challenging and numerous surgical options are available. Few large reports of RVF are available and success prognostic factors remain unknown.

METHODS

All patients operated for RVF from 1996 to 2014 were included.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients presented RVF due to Crohn disease in 34 (43%), postoperative in 25 (32%), obstetrical in 7 (9%), radiation proctitis in 4 (5%), and miscellaneous in 9 (11%). A total of 286 procedures (132 with associated stoma, 46%) were performed including 217 conservative (76%) [seton drainage (n = 59; 21%), vaginal (n = 49, 17%) or rectal advancement flap (n = 46; 16%), diverting stoma only (n = 27; 9%), plug (n = 15; 5%), glue (n = 13; 5%), or others (n = 8, 3%)]; and 69 major procedures (24%) [gracilis muscle interposition (n = 32; 11%), coloanal or colorectal anastomosis (n = 19; 7%) including 11 delayed anastomosis with colonic pull-through, biomesh interposition (n = 9, 3%), and abdominoperineal resection (n = 9; 3%)]. After a mean follow-up of 33 months, overall success rate was 57 of 79 (72%). Per-procedure-based multivariate analysis identified major procedure [odds ratio (OR): 6.4 (2.9-14.2); P < 0.001], diverting stoma [OR: 3.5 (1.4-8.7); P = 0.009], less than 9 months between diagnosis and first surgery [OR: 2.3 (1.1-5.3); P = 0.046], and first surgery in our institution [OR: 3.2 (1.5-6.9); P = 0.003], as independent factors for success.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that aggressive surgical treatment of RVF, including early use of temporary stoma and major procedure in case of failure of previous local treatment, leads to high success rates.

Sphincter-sparing intersphincteric rectal resection as an alternative to proctectomy in long-standing fistulizing and stenotic Crohn's proctitis?

PURPOSE

Long-standing fistulizing and stenotic proctitis (LFSP) in Crohn's disease (CD) indicates the end stage of the disease. Definitive diversion such as proctectomy is considered to be the only surgical option. The impact of intersphincteric sphincter-sparing anterior rectal resection (IAR) as an alternative to proctectomy is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, morbidity, outcome, and quality of life (QL) in patients with LFSP undergoing intended IAR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Out of a single institution database, 15 patients with LFSP intended for surgery from 856 patients with CD were selected for follow-up analyses.

RESULTS

In 12/15 cases, IAR was carried out while 3/15 patients underwent primary proctectomy due to malignancy (n = 2) or due to patient's wish (n = 1). In one case, IAR revealed unexpected malignancy, which led to secondary proctectomy. In patients with IAR, complete healing of fistulas and stenosis was observed in 46% (n = 5) while 36% (n = 4) of patients showed relapse of fistula and 18% (n = 2) developed restenosis. Ileostomy closure was performed in seven patients from which six patients remained stoma free. QL and fecal incontinence measured by standardized scoring systems were unchanged while stool frequency was reduced after IAR in patients with ileostomy closure. The rate of malignancy in this cohort was 20% (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

LFSP in CD was associated with 20% of malignant transformation. Although IAR fails to improve QL, it is a suitable procedure for the treatment of fistulas and stenosis associated with acceptable healing rates and can avoid a permanent stoma.

Successful management of rectovaginal fistula treated by endorectal advancement flap: report of two cases and literature review

Introduction

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) sometimes has a difficulty in treatment. This report describes two patients who suffered from RVF.

Case descriptions

One patient was a 76-year-old woman who had a RVF over 30 years after the 3rd childbirth. She underwent endorectal advancement flap (ERAF). She had a nighttime soiling after ERAF once a month, which disappeared one year after surgery. Second patient was a 23-year-old woman who had a RVF one month after the first childbirth. She underwent ERAF, and did not have any complications.

Discussion and evaluation

Both patients did not develop recurrence for four years. Quality of life after ERAF was satisfactory in both patients. ERAF is a safe procedure in terms of both short and long outcomes. We also present a review of the literature concerning ERAF for RVF.

Conclusions

ERAF can be a potential option as a treatment for RVF.

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for treatment of complex anal fistula

Ligation of intershpincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a novel surgical procedure for complex fistula, especially transsphincteric fistula which was first proposed by Thailand doctor Rojanasakul.This sphincter-saving procedure has a high success rate, and more importantly, a very low continence rate. Recent clinical research of LIFT has showed that its efficacy varies greatly. In this article, we will review the recent advances in research on ligation of intershpincteric fistula tract for complex anal fistula.

Imaging techniques and combined medical and surgical treatment of perianal Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease which may involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, most frequently the terminal ileum, the large intestine, and the perianal region. The symptoms of perianal Crohn's disease include skin disorders, hemorrhoids, anal ulcers, anorectal stenosis, perianal abscesses and fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas and carcinoma of the perianal region. The perianal manifestations of Crohn's disease cause great discomfort to the patient and are among the most difficult aspects to treat. Management of perianal disease requires a combination of different imaging modalities and a close cooperation between gastroenterologists and dedicated surgeons.

Surgical management of rectovaginal fistula in a tertiary referral centre: many techniques are needed

AIM

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Published success rates vary with initial success being around 50% rising to 80% with repeated surgery. Fistulae in Crohn's disease are more likely to recur.

METHOD

A retrospective study was performed of RVF repair carried out between 2003 and 2008 in a tertiary referral centre. Patients undergoing surgery for an RVF under the senior author during the study period were identified and their clinical notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients underwent 50 operations. The median age was 42 years and 83% were tertiary referrals. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Healing occurred in 19 (58%) of 33 patients after a mean of 1.4 operations. The median time to success was 11 (2.5-48) months. The 'curative' group had an overall success of 73% (19 of 26). Seventy-five per cent of non-inflammatory bowel disease patients and 67% of those with Crohn's disease had successful treatment of the RVF. Twenty-four of 35 patients (67%) underwent creation of a stoma. Sixteen of 24 (67%) were deemed fit for restoration of continuity. No demographic or disease related factors were found to influence healing.

CONCLUSION

Cure of RVF can be achieved by a range of surgical approaches including abdominal and anal. A variety of different anal techniques are necessary, depending on the integrity of the anal sphincter and the presence or absence of perineal descent/internal intussusception.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with advancement flap repair in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze both the feasibility and preliminary results of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with advancement flap repair for complex fistulas in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

All patients with perianal Crohn's disease suffering from complex fistulas who underwent definitive surgery using VAAFT combined with advancement flap repair were prospectively enrolled in the study. Only complex fistulas with concurrent stable disease and without any evidence of severe inflammatory activity or perianal sepsis were treated using the VAAFT technique. Patients with Crohn's proctitis or prior proctectomy were not candidates for the procedure. VAAFT was performed by using the VAAFT equipment (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). Key steps included visualization of the fistula tract and/or side tracts using the fistuloscope and correct localization of the internal fistula opening under direct vision with irrigation. Diagnostic fistuloscopy was followed by advancement flap repair. In addition to feasibility, primary end points included detection of side tracts, success and continence status (assessed by the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score). Success was defined as closure of both internal and external openings, absence of drainage without further intervention and absence of abscess formation. Follow-up information was derived from clinical examination 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Within a 3-month observation period (September to November 2011), VAAFT was attempted in 13 patients with Crohn's associated complex fistulas. The completion rate was 85% (11/13). In these 11 patients (median age 34 years, 64% females), complex fistulas were transsphincteric (8), suprasphincteric (2) and recto-vaginal (1). Forty-six percent (5/11) had concomitant therapy with biologic drugs. In 36% (4/11), VAAFT was performed with fecal diversion. Median duration of surgery was 22 (range 18-42) minutes. Using VAAFT, additional side tracts not detected preoperatively could be identified in 64% (7/11). No morbidity occurred. After a mean follow-up of 9 months, the success rate was 82% (9/11). No deterioration of continence was documented (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score 2.4 vs. 1.6, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results of the addition of the VAAFT technique to advancement flap repair in Crohn's fistulas demonstrate that this leads to a high identification rate of occult side tracts with encouraging short-term healing rates. Moreover, a completion rate of 85% seems promising.

Managing Perianal Crohn’s Disease

Perianal Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a significant cause of morbidity in CD patients. Accurate identification of perianal involvement requires advanced imaging techniques in addition to physical exam. Treatment of the disease is aimed at improving both the perianal and intestinal manifestations. Proper treatment depends upon the severity of the disease and combines current medical and surgical therapies to maximize response. The ability to improve perianal disease has grown significantly since the introduction of anti-TNF agents which are now a mainstay of treatment along with antibiotics and immunomodulators. New experimental therapies are limited by lack of research to support their use.

Endorectal advancement flap with muscular plication: a modified technique for rectovaginal fistula repair

AIM

Endorectal advancement flap is the most used treatment for acquired rectovaginal fistula but is liable to failure. We describe our experience with a modified technique.

METHOD

Patients were included who had an acquired rectovaginal fistula. Exclusions included patients with Crohn's disease with proctitis, malignant or radiation-related fistula, stricture of the anorectum or those with an external sphincter defect. Surgery included closure of the internal opening with a figure-of-eight reabsorbable suture, plication of the anorectal muscular layer and mucosal flap advancement. Total parenteral nutrition was administered postoperatively for seven days.

RESULTS

Between March 2003 and July 2008, 23 consecutive women (mean age 45.5 [28-78] years) were treated. The cause of fistulation included obstetric injury (n = 5), cryptoglandular disease (n = 11) and Crohn's disease (n = 7). Thirteen (57%) patients had a previous failed repair. At a mean follow-up of 14 (2-67) months, success was achieved in 65% (15/23) of patients. The mean Wexner incontinence scores pre- and postoperatively were 1.3 (0-15) and 0.6 (0-6), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The success rate was promising with no deterioration of anal continence.

Laparoscopic fistula excision and omentoplasty for high rectovaginal fistulas: a prospective study of 40 patients

AIM

The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate 40 patients with a high rectovaginal fistula treated by a laparoscopic fistula division and closure, followed by an omentoplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients with a rectovaginal fistula, between the middle third of the rectum and the posterior vaginal fornix, resulting from different causes (IBD, iatrogenic and birth trauma) were treated by a laparoscopic excision of the fistula and insertion of an omentoplasty in the rectovaginal septum. The patients completed the gastrointestinal quality of life index questionnaire (GIQLI) and the Cleveland Clinic incontinence score (CCIS). All tests were performed at regular intervals after treatment.

RESULTS

In 38 (95%) patients with a median age of 53 years (range 33-72), the surgical procedure was feasible. In two patients, the fistula was closed without an omentoplasty, and a diverting stoma was performed. The median follow-up was 28 months (range 10-35). Two patients (5%) developed a recurrent fistula. In one patient, the interposed omentum became necrotic and was successfully treated laparoscopically. In another patient, an abscess developed, which needed drainage procedures. The mean CCIS was 9 (range 7-10) before treatment and 10 (range 7-13) after treatment (p = 0.5 Wilcoxon). The median GIQLI score was 85 (range 34-129) before treatment and 120 (range75-142) after treatment (p = 0.0001, Wilcoxon).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic fistula excision combined with omentoplasty is a good treatment modality with a high healing rate for high rectovaginal fistulas and an acceptable complication rate.

Anorectal abscess and fistula-in-ano: evidence-based management

The management of anorectal abscess and anal fistula has changed markedly with time. Invasive methods with high resulting rates of incontinence have given way to sphincter-sparing methods that have a much lower associated morbidity. There has been an increase in reports in the medical literature describing the success rates of the varying methods of dealing with this condition. This article reviews the various methods of treatment and evidence supporting their use and explores advances that may lead to new therapies.