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Reza L, Gottgens K, Kleijnen J, Breukink S, Ambe PC, Aigner F, Aytac E, Bislenghi G, Nordholm-Carstensen A, Elfeki H, Gallo G, Grossi U, Gulcu B, Iqbal N, Jimenez-Rodriguez R, Leventoglu S, Lisi G, Litta F, Lung P, Millan M, Ozturk E, Sackitey C, Shalaby M, Stijns J, Tozer P, Zimmerman D. European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula. Colorectal Dis 2024; 26:145-196. [PMID: 38050857 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16741] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The primary aim of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Guideline Development Group (GDG) was to produce high-quality, evidence-based guidelines for the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula with input from a multidisciplinary group and using transparent, reproducible methodology. METHODS Previously published methodology in guideline development by the ESCP has been replicated in this project. The guideline development process followed the requirements of the AGREE-S tool kit. Six phases can be identified in the methodology. Phase one sets the scope of the guideline, which addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula in adult patients presenting to secondary care. The target population for this guideline are healthcare practitioners in secondary care and patients interested in understanding the clinical evidence available for various surgical interventions for anal fistula. Phase two involved formulation of the GDG. The GDG consisted of 21 coloproctologists, three research fellows, a radiologist and a methodologist. Stakeholders were chosen for their clinical and academic involvement in the management of anal fistula as well as being representative of the geographical variation among the ESCP membership. Five patients were recruited from patient groups to review the draft guideline. These patients attended two virtual meetings to discuss the evidence and suggest amendments. In phase three, patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes questions were formulated by the GDG. The GDG ratified 250 questions and chose 45 for inclusion in the guideline. In phase four, critical and important outcomes were confirmed for inclusion. Important outcomes were pain and wound healing. Critical outcomes were fistula healing, fistula recurrence and incontinence. These outcomes formed part of the inclusion criteria for the literature search. In phase five, a literature search was performed of MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by eight teams of the GDG. Data were extracted and submitted for review by the GDG in a draft guideline. The most recent systematic reviews were prioritized for inclusion. Studies published since the most recent systematic review were included in our analysis by conducting a new meta-analysis using Review manager. In phase six, recommendations were formulated, using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations, in three virtual meetings of the GDG. RESULTS In seven sections covering the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula, there are 42 recommendations. CONCLUSION This is an up-to-date international guideline on the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula using methodology prescribed by the AGREE enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jos Kleijnen
- KSR Ltd & Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) -CAPHRI, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugo Grossi
- Treviso Regional Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monica Millan
- La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
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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.
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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.
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Iqbal N, Astrid MJHM, Merel L K, Gillian K, Rebecca W, Ugo G, Phil J T, Stéphanie O B. AFCOS: The Development of a Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula Core Outcome Set. Ann Surg 2023; 277:e1045-e1050. [PMID: 35815887 PMCID: PMC10082062 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a cryptoglandular Anal Fistula Core Outcome Set: a minimum set of outcomes that should be measured in all studies of cryptoglandular anal fistula treatment. BACKGROUND Variability in the outcomes that are reported in studies of cryptoglandular anal fistula treatment hampers systematic evidence synthesis to identify the best treatment. METHODS This study followed guidance from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative and consisted of three stages: (1) generation of candidate outcomes through systematic review of the literature and qualitative patient interviews; (2) prioritization of outcomes by key stakeholders, including patients, surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiologists in an online Delphi consensus process; and (3) determination of the final Core Outcome Set (COS) in a consensus meeting attended by patients and clinicians. RESULTS Sixty-four outcomes were presented in the first Delphi survey round. A total of 191 participants from over 30 countries ranked these outcomes according to their importance in defining treatment success (57.6% surgeons and gastroenterologists, 8.9% radiologists, and 33.5% patients). After two rounds, 53 outcomes were identified as important and discussed in the consensus meeting attended by 10 patients and 12 clinicians. A final 10 outcomes were voted into the COS: clinical fistula healing, radiological healing, recurrence, development of additional fistulas, fistula symptoms, incontinence, psychological impact of treatment, complications and reinterventions, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. CONCLUSION The final COS represents an international, multidisciplinary, patient-centered attempt to establish consistency in fistula research, with a substantial focus on patient priorities for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Iqbal
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Machielsen J H M Astrid
- Department of Surgery and Colorectal Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Kimman Merel L
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Grossi Ugo
- Tertiary Referral Pelvic Floor and Incontinence Centre, Regional Hospital Treviso, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Tozer Phil J
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Breukink Stéphanie O
- Department of Surgery and Colorectal Surgery, NUTRIM, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, The Netherlands
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Iqbal N, Tozer P. How does VAAFT fit into the world of clinical and academic anal fistula? Tech Coloproctol 2022; 26:771-772. [PMID: 35932372 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-022-02664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N Iqbal
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - P Tozer
- Robin Phillips' Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, London, UK
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Sluckin TC, Gispen WH, Jongenotter J, Hazen SJA, Smeets S, van der Bilt JDW, Smeenk RM, Schouten R. Treatment of cryptoglandular fistulas with the fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) method in comparison with standard methods: first results of a multicenter retrospective comparative study in the Netherlands. Tech Coloproctol 2022; 26:797-803. [PMID: 35749023 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-022-02644-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current surgical closure techniques for sphincter-sparing treatment of high cryptoglandular fistulas in the Netherlands include the mucosal advancement flap procedure (MAF) and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT). A relatively novel treatment is the fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) method. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in healing and recurrence rates between FiLaC™ and current standard practices. METHODS This multicenter retrospective cohort study included both primary and recurrent high cryptoglandular anorectal fistulas, treated with either FiLaC™ or standard methods (MAF or LIFT) between September 2015 and July 2020. Patients with extrasphincteric fistulas, Crohn's disease, multiple fistulas, age < 18 years or missing data regarding healing time or recurrence were excluded. The primary outcomes were the clinical primary and secondary healing and recurrence rates. Primary healing was defined as a closed external opening without fluid discharge within 6 months of treatment on examination, while secondary healing was the same endpoint after secondary treatment. Secondary outcomes included healing time and complaints. RESULTS A total of 162 high fistulas from 3 Dutch hospitals were included. Ninety-nine high fistulas were treated with FiLaC™ and 63 with either MAF or LIFT. There were no significant differences between FiLaC™ and MAF/LIFT in terms of clinical healing (55.6% versus 58.7%, p = .601), secondary healing (70.0% versus 69.2%, p = .950) or recurrence rates (49.5% versus 54%, p = .420), respectively. Median follow-up duration was 7.1 months in the FiLaC™ group (interquartile range [IQR] 4.1-14.4 months) versus 6 months in the control group (IQR 3.5-8.1 months). CONCLUSIONS FiLaC™ treatment of high anorectal fistulas does not appear to be inferior to MAF or LIFT. Based on these preliminary results, FiLaC™ can be considered as a worthwhile treatment option for high cryptoglandular fistulas. Prospective studies with a longer follow-up period and well-determined postoperative parameters such as complication rates, magnetic resonance imaging for confirmation of fistula healing, incontinence and quality of life are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Sluckin
- Department of Surgery, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands
| | - W H Gispen
- Department of Surgery, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands
| | - J Jongenotter
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - S J A Hazen
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - S Smeets
- Department of Surgery, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands
| | | | - R M Smeenk
- Department of Surgery, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Schouten
- Department of Surgery, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands.
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Niu M, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhang L, Wu F, Chen Q, Yu H, Tian J. Establishing a core outcome set for neurogenic bladder trials: study protocol for a scoping review and Delphi surveys. Trials 2022; 23:485. [PMID: 35698096 PMCID: PMC9195205 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurogenic bladder (NGB) is a chronic and disabling condition with a high prevalence rate, which can cause economic burden on patients and their families and reduce the quality of life of patients. Researchers have carried out a large number of clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of different interventions for the treatment of NGB. The published clinical trials of NGB generally suffered from inconsistent and irregular reporting of outcome indicators. To facilitate future research studies of NGB, a core outcome set (COS) is required, which helps translate the results into high-quality evidence. Methods and analysis This mixed-method project has four phases instrument: in phase 1, a scoping review of the literature to identify outcomes that have been reported in clinical trials and systematic reviews of clinical trials of interventions for NGB; in phase 2, a qualitative component using interviews to obtain the views of NGB patients, families, and their caregivers; in phase 3, Delphi survey among stakeholders to prioritize the core outcomes; and in phase 4, a face-to-face consensus meeting to discuss and agree on the final NBG COS. Conclusions We will develop a COS that should be reported in future clinical trials of NGB. Trial registration Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative database registration: http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/1985. Registered on 02 January 2022. INPLASY INPLASY202210007
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Gansu Province Hospital Rehabilitation Center, 53 Dingxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Yamin Chen
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Mingming Niu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jiaoyan Zhang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China.,The Third Ward of Cardiovascular Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Fangfang Wu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China.,School of Nursing, Shangluo Vocational and Technical College, City, Shangluo, 726000, China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth People's Hospital of Chengdu City, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Huijin Yu
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Gansu Province Hospital Rehabilitation Center, 53 Dingxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
| | - Jinhui Tian
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No.199, Donggang West Road, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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7
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Adegbola SO, Sahnan K, Tozer P, Warusavitarne J. Emerging Data on Fistula Laser Closure (FiLaC) for the Treatment of Perianal Fistulas; Patient Selection and Outcomes. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2021; 14:467-475. [PMID: 34908858 PMCID: PMC8664604 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s269464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fistula laser closure (FiLaC) is a relatively new sphincter-sparing technique in fistula surgery that was initially reported in 2011. It involves the radial dissipation of laser energy in the fistula tract and, through a combination of coagulation and shrinkage of the tract, is proposed to result in progressive sealing of fistulas. Early studies have suggested minimal impact on continence and touted the advantage of minimal morbidity with potential of repeat procedures if the technique fails initially. Despite early promising results, ten years on, questions remain on the technique, patient selection and long-term outcomes. This narrative review assesses the evidence reported to-date of radially emitting laser fistula surgery in the treatment of perianal fistulas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O Adegbola
- Robin Phillips Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Kapil Sahnan
- Robin Phillips Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Phillip Tozer
- Robin Phillips Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Janindra Warusavitarne
- Robin Phillips Fistula Research Unit, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
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Vollebregt PF, Vander Mijnsbrugge GJ, Molenaar CBH, Felt‐Bersma RJF. Efficacy of Permacol injection for perianal fistulas in a tertiary referral population: poor outcome in patients with complex fistulas. Colorectal Dis 2021; 23:2119-2126. [PMID: 33955138 PMCID: PMC8453864 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Injection of Permacol collagen paste can be used as a sphincter-sparing treatment for perianal fistulas. In a tertiary referral population we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Permacol injection and the clinical and fistula-related factors associated with recurrence. METHOD This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with perianal fistulas treated with Permacol injection at a specialist centre between June 2015 and April 2019. Endoanal ultrasonography was systematically reanalysed, blinded to treatment outcome. Rectovaginal, anovaginal and Crohn's disease fistulas were excluded. Healed fistulas were defined as absent anal symptoms and a closed external opening on physical examination at a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with unhealed fistulas. RESULTS A total of 90 patients (51 men; median age 45 years) were analysed. Seventy-two (80.0%) patients had complex perianal fistulas (greater than one-third sphincter involvement or multiple tracts). After a single Permacol injection, fistulas were healed in 20 (22.2%) patients at 3 months follow-up and in 18 (20.0%) patients at a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range 17-37). Eight (11.1%) patients with unhealed fistulas had significant improvement in their symptoms. Complex fistulas were significantly associated with unhealed status [OR 3.53 (95% CI 1.12-11.09); p = 0.031]. Twenty patients underwent subsequent Permacol injections, which were successful in six (30.0%) patients after one (n = 3) or two (n = 3) additional injections. CONCLUSION This largest study to date in patients with mainly complex perianal fistulas, demonstrated that the efficacy of a single Permacol injection was only 20%. Complex fistulas were associated with a poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Vollebregt
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam UMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology MetabolismVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Richelle J. F. Felt‐Bersma
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam UMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology MetabolismVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands,Proctos KliniekBilthovenThe Netherlands
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Heterogeneity in outcome selection, definition and measurement in studies assessing the treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula: findings from a systematic review. Tech Coloproctol 2021; 25:761-830. [PMID: 33963945 PMCID: PMC8187216 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-021-02452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Treatment for cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF) is challenging and a lack of uniform outcomes in the literature prevents direct comparison of treatments. This can be addressed by developing a core outcome set, a standardised set of outcomes reported in all interventional studies for a specific condition. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the range of outcomes, their definitions, and the measurement instruments currently utilised in interventional studies for adult patients with AF. This will inform the development of an AF core outcome set. Methods Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched to identify all patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in studies assessing medical, surgical or combination treatment of adult patients with AF published from January 2008 to May 2020. The resulting outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to better understand their distribution. Results In total, 155 studies were included, 552 outcomes were extracted, with a median of three outcomes (interquartile range 2–5) per study. Only 25% of studies demonstrated high-quality outcome reporting. The outcomes were merged into 52 unique outcomes and structured into four core areas and 14 domains, with the majority in the domain of physiological or clinical (gastrointestinal) outcomes. The most commonly reported outcomes were healing (77%), incontinence (63%), and recurrence (40%), with no single outcome assessed across all studies. There was a wide variation in outcome definitions and measurement instruments used. Conclusions There is substantial heterogeneity in outcomes, definitions, and measurement instruments reported in interventional studies for cryptoglandular anal fistula. This emphasises the need for standardised outcome reporting and measurement.
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Management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano among gastrointestinal surgeons in the Netherlands. Tech Coloproctol 2021; 25:709-719. [PMID: 33860363 PMCID: PMC8124037 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-021-02446-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano (FIA) can be challenging. Despite Dutch and international guidelines determining optimal therapy is still quite difficult. The aim of this study was to report current practices in the management of cryptoglandular FIA among gastrointestinal surgeons in the Netherlands. METHODS Dutch surgeons and residents who are treating FIA regularly were sent a survey invitation by email. The survey was available online from September 19 to December 1 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions concerning diagnostic and surgical techniques in the treatment of intersphincteric and transsphincteric FIA. RESULTS In total, 147 (43%) surgeons responded and completed the survey. Magnetic resonance imaging was the preferred diagnostic imaging modality (97%) followed by the endo-anal ultrasound (12%). In case of a high FIA, 86% used a non-cutting seton. Most respondents removed a seton between 6 weeks and 3 months (n = 84, 58%). Fistulotomy was the procedure of preference in low transsphincteric (86%) and low intersphincteric FIA (92%). Mucosal advancement flap (MAF) and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), with 78% and 46%, respectively, were the procedures that were applied most often in high transsphincteric FIA. In high intersphincteric FIA 67% performed a MAF and 33% a fistulotomy. Thirty-three percent of all respondents stated that they habitually closed the internal fistula opening, half of them used a Z-plasty. For debridement of the fistula tract the preferred method was curettage (78%). CONCLUSIONS Dutch gastrointestinal surgeons use various techniques in the management of FIA. Novel promising techniques should be investigated adequately in sufficient large trials to increase consensus. A core outcome measurement and a prospective international database would help in comparing results. Until then, treatment should be adjusted to the individual patient, governed by fistula characteristics and patient choice.
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