1
|
McCurdy JD, Crooks P, Gwaltney C, Krupnick R, Cadogan KA, Karki C. Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for complex cryptoglandular fistulas (20-Item complex cryptoglandular fistula questionnaire ™): a qualitative study. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2024; 8:99. [PMID: 39172310 PMCID: PMC11341802 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-024-00729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited tools to measure the burden of disease and effectiveness of medical/surgical interventions in patients with cryptoglandular fistulas. The aim of this study was to explore concepts that are relevant and important to patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) and to develop a patient-centred, disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess symptom burden and impacts of CCF. METHODS A targeted literature review was conducted, followed by one-to-one telephone interviews with five colorectal surgeons (USA, n = 3; UK, n = 1; Spain, n = 1) and 20 US adult patients with CCF to inform the development of a conceptual model and a CCF-specific PROM. The targeted literature review informed the development of the preliminary conceptual model and identified a PROM in the literature that was used as a reference to generate the draft CCF-specific PROM. The colorectal surgeon interviews provided insights on the experience of patients with CCF to refine the conceptual model, formulate probing questions for use in patient interviews, and to develop the draft CCF-specific PROM. Patients' descriptions of their experiences with symptoms and the impacts on their lives and evaluation of the draft CCF-specific PROM in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were used to develop the final conceptual model and final CCF-specific PROM. RESULTS Ten symptoms (odour, pain during bowel movement, abscess, post-operative pain, discharge/drainage/leakage, anal/perianal pain, inflammation/swelling, skin irritation, bleeding and itchiness) and 11 impacts (discomfort, inability to exercise, embarrassment, difficulty sitting, worry about disease, adapted life to maintain hygiene, negatively impacted social life/isolation, inability to perform daily activities, reduced interest in sex, negatively impacted intimate relationships and negatively impacted mood) were reported as most salient by patients. The patient experience, clinician perspective, and literature review provided input to item generation. Evaluation of relevance and patient understanding through cognitive interviews with patients provided evidence for the content validity of the new patient-reported outcome measure: the 20-item Complex Cryptoglandular Fistula Questionnaire™ (CCFQ-20™). CONCLUSION The CCFQ-20™ is a new clinician-guided, patient-validated, disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure that measures disease impact and quality of life in patients with CCF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D McCurdy
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Box 206, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Patrick Crooks
- IQVIA Real World Solutions, Patient Centered Solutions, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Robert Krupnick
- IQVIA Real World Solutions, Patient Centered Solutions, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Chitra Karki
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Oostendorp JY, Verkade C, Han-Geurts IJM, van der Mijnsbrugge GJH, Wasowicz-Kemps DK, Zimmerman DDE. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for trans-sphincteric cryptoglandular anal fistula: long-term impact on faecal continence. BJS Open 2024; 8:zrae055. [PMID: 38843378 PMCID: PMC11156194 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract is a surgical technique designed to treat trans-sphincteric anal fistulas aiming to preserve sphincter integrity. Recent studies suggest its efficacy in short-term fistula healing with limited impact on continence. However, comprehensive prospective data on long-term outcomes, including recurrence and bowel continence, are limited. The present study aims to report on the long-term functional outcomes. METHODS Patients who underwent the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure for trans-sphincteric cryptoglandular anal fistulas between July 2012 and October 2018 at two Dutch referral centres were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome of interest was the long-term bowel continence after the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure, using the faecal incontinence severity index. Short-term data (collected in 2018) and long-term data (collected in 2023) on bowel continence, healing rates and recurrences were obtained through electronic records and Rockwood questionnaires. Sankey diagrams were used to visually represent individual variations in continence status (preoperative versus follow-up). RESULTS Among 110 patients included (50% female, median follow-up 92 months), 101 patients (92%) were treated with previous surgeries (median 2, range 0-6) and 80% had previous seton drainage. Preligation of intersphincteric fistula tract, 16% of the patients reported incontinence (mean(s.d.) faecal incontinence severity index: 2.4(7.5), increasing to 18% after ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract at short-term follow-up, including 11% newly induced cases. Long-term follow-up collected using Rockwood questionnaires (63% response rate) in 69 patients uncovered a 74% incontinency rate (mean(s.d.) faecal incontinence severity index: 9.22(9.5). In those patients without subsequent surgery 49% (17 of 35) reported incontinence at long-term follow-up. Primary fistula healing after ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract was 28%. Preoperative seton drainage significantly improved healing rates (33% versus 9%). Notably, 43% (34 of 79) of unhealed fistulas transitioned into intersphincteric tracts; in these patients, 19 were treated with subsequent fistulotomy achieving cure in 18 cases. CONCLUSIONS Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract healing rates fell below recent literature standards. Although the immediate impact on postoperative continence appears minimal, long-term incontinence rates are concerning. In recognizing the deterioration of individual continence, we advocate for a patient-centered approach and urge fellow researchers and clinicians to collect comprehensive prospective continence data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Y van Oostendorp
- Department of Surgery, Proctos Kliniek, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Verkade
- Department of Surgery, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - David D E Zimmerman
- Department of Surgery, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gaillard M, Van den Broeck S, Op de Beeck B, Wouters K, Stijns J, Van de Putte D, Gys B, Houben B, Van Dessel E, Bislenghi G, Komen N. Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans-sphincteric fistulas. Colorectal Dis 2024; 26:1038-1046. [PMID: 38499516 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
AIM Anal fistula is one of the most common anal diseases, affecting between 1 and 3 per 10 000 people per year. Symptoms have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to cure the fistula and preserve anal sphincter function. Rectal advancement flap (RAF) is currently the gold standard treatment but has recurrence rates varying between 20% and 50% and might lead to disturbance of continence. The aim of the trial described in this work is to discover if the minimally invasive fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) technique could achieve higher healing rates and a better functional outcome than RAF. METHOD We will perform a randomized prospective multicentre noninferiority study of the treatment of high trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas, comparing FiLaC™ with RAF in terms of fistula healing, recurrence rate, functional outcome and quality of life. Primary and secondary fistula healing will be evaluated at 26 and 52 weeks' follow-up. Quality of life will be evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale questionnaire and the Vaizey score at 3, 6, 12 and 26 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION High trans-sphincteric fistulas have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Classical treatment with RAF is a time-consuming invasive procedure. The LATFIA trial aims to compare FiLaC™ with the gold standard treatment with RAF. In case of noninferiority, FiLaC™ treatment could be standardized as a first line treatment for high trans-sphincteric fistulas. Better conservation of the patient's anal sphincter function could possibly be obtained. Likewise, we will report on the postoperative quality of life when applying these two techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gaillard
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Antwerp ReSURG, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Van den Broeck
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Antwerp ReSURG, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bart Op de Beeck
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Kristien Wouters
- Clinical Trial Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jasper Stijns
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospital Brussels, Jette, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van de Putte
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ben Gys
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Hospital St. Dimpna, Geel, Belgium
| | - Bert Houben
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Els Van Dessel
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, GasthuisZusters Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Bislenghi
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Komen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Antwerp ReSURG, Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Iqbal N, Alrubaiy L, Hart A, Siviter R, Wilson L, Tozer P. The development of a cryptoglandular anal fistula quality of life scale (AF-QoL). Colorectal Dis 2024; 26:716-725. [PMID: 38363007 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial and core outcome in assessing the effectiveness of treatments for cryptoglandular anal fistula. Despite its extensive impact, there is a lack of patient-centred, disease-specific QoL measurement instruments of adequate quality. The aim of this study is to develop a disease-specific measurement instrument that can accurately measure QoL for patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula. METHOD Semi-structured qualitative patient interviews and a systematic review of current instruments were used to generate items for the draft instrument. This underwent successive rounds of cognitive interviews to refine its wording and structure. Individual item and overall scale content validity were determined by asking experts to rate the relevance of each item and those deemed irrelevant were removed. The final instrument then underwent psychometric testing and test-retest analysis to determine its sensitivity and stability. RESULTS A total of 148 patients were involved in item generation, scale development and psychometric testing. A 22-item measurement instrument has been developed; it is scored on a scale of 0-100, where 0 indicates the worst QoL and 100 demonstrates perfect QoL. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach-α = 0.927), strong content and construct validity [correlation with Perianal Disease Activity Index = -0.713, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Anxiety (-0.659) and Depression (-0.673) subscales and Short Form-12 physical (0.609) and mental (0.589) component scales] and strong reliability and responsiveness. CONCLUSION We have developed a cryptoglandular Anal Fistula Quality of Life scale (AF-QoL), a comprehensive, disease-specific patient reported outcome measure assessing QoL in patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Iqbal
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, Central Middlesex, London, UK
| | - Laith Alrubaiy
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, Central Middlesex, London, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Mark's Hospital, Central Middlesex, London, UK
| | - Ailsa Hart
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, Central Middlesex, London, UK
| | | | | | - Phil Tozer
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, Central Middlesex, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhat S, Xu W, Varghese C, Dubey N, Wells CI, Harmston C, O'Grady G, Bissett IP, Lin AY. Efficacy of different surgical treatments for management of anal fistula: a network meta-analysis. Tech Coloproctol 2023; 27:827-845. [PMID: 37460830 PMCID: PMC10485107 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-023-02845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Currently, the anal fistula treatment which optimises healing and preserves bowel continence remains unclear. The aim of our study was to compare the relative efficacy of different surgical treatments for AF through a network meta-analysis. METHODS Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases up to October 2022 identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical treatments for anal fistulae. Fistulae were classified as simple (inter-sphincteric or low trans-sphincteric fistulae crossing less than 30% of the external anal sphincter (EAS)) and complex (high trans-sphincteric fistulae involving more than 30% of the EAS). Treatments evaluated in only one trial were excluded from the primary analyses to minimise bias. The primary outcomes were rates of success in achieving AF healing and bowel incontinence. RESULTS Fifty-two RCTs were included. Of the 14 treatments considered, there were no significant differences regarding short-term (6 months or less postoperatively) and long-term (more than 6 months postoperatively) success rates between any of the treatments in patients with both simple and complex anal fistula. Ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) ranked best for minimising bowel incontinence in simple (99.1% of comparisons; 3 trials, n = 70 patients) and complex anal fistula (86.2% of comparisons; 3 trials, n = 102 patients). CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence in existing RCTs to recommend one treatment over another regarding their short and long-term efficacy in successfully facilitating healing of both simple and complex anal fistulae. However, LIFT appears to be associated with the least impairment of bowel continence, irrespective of AF classification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Bhat
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora MidCentral, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - W Xu
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - C Varghese
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - N Dubey
- Department of General Medicine, Tauranga Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - C I Wells
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C Harmston
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - G O'Grady
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - I P Bissett
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Y Lin
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Department of Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Wellington, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iqbal N, Shah R, Alrubaiy L, Tozer P. Do Patient-Reported Quality-of-Life (QoL) Scales Provide an Adequate Assessment of Patients with Cryptoglandular Anal Fistulae? A Systematic Review of Measurement Instruments and Their Content Validity. Clin Pract 2022; 12:628-639. [PMID: 36005069 PMCID: PMC9406553 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12040066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptoglandular anal fistulae can significantly affect patient quality of life (QoL), making it essential to ensure that any study of fistula treatment assesses the impact on QoL. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the content validity of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) that assess QoL in patients with a fistula. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched and studies assessing the content validity of patient-reported QoL measurement instruments, or PROM development studies in patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulae, were included. Data were extracted from eligible studies to determine the instruments’ relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility, and their quality was assessed according to COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Results: Two PROM development studies were identified, both of which described the development of a disease-specific QoL measurement instrument for patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulae. The overall content validity of these instruments was inconsistent and supported by very low-quality evidence. There were no studies assessing the content validity of established QoL measurement instruments in patients with fistulae. Conclusions: This systematic review could not establish the content validity of the available QoL PROMs for patients with anal fistulae, due either to the absence of designated content validity studies or a lack of comprehensiveness of the available PROMs. This highlights an important gap in the literature that needs to be addressed to ensure high-quality outcome assessment in patients with fistulae.
Collapse
|