Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Between Ligation Of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract And Fistulotomy With Seton In Perianal Fistula
Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Between Ligation Of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract And Fistulotomy With Seton In The Management Of Perianal Fistula: An Analytical Comparative Study
Islamabad Medical and Dental College
100 participants
Jan 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study aims to compare two commonly used surgical techniques for the treatment of perianal fistula: Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) and fistulotomy with seton. Perianal fistula is a condition that can cause pain, discharge, and significant discomfort, and its treatment remains challenging due to the risk of recurrence and potential loss of bowel control after surgery. The LIFT procedure is a sphincter-preserving technique designed to treat the fistula without damaging the muscles responsible for continence. In contrast, fistulotomy with seton involves placing a thread (seton) in the fistula tract followed by gradual or staged division of the tract, which may carry a higher risk of affecting continence. In this study, 100 adult patients diagnosed with perianal fistula will be included and divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure they undergo: LIFT or fistulotomy with seton. The outcomes of both procedures will be compared in terms of wound healing time, recurrence of the fistula, postoperative pain, and preservation of bowel continence. The results of this study will help determine which surgical technique provides better recovery, fewer complications, and improved quality of life for patients.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Patients aged 18-65 years, both males and females
- Diagnosed with primary cryptoglandular perianal fistula
- Trans-sphincteric or inter-sphincteric fistula confirmed clinically ± imaging/proctoscopy
- Fit for surgery under anesthesia
- Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria5
- Recurrent perianal fistula (previous surgical intervention)
- Fistula secondary to Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, or malignancy Immunocompromised patients
- Pre-existing fecal incontinence (documented)
- Severe comorbidities making surgery unsafe (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe hepatic/renal failure)
- Pregnancy
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Interventions
A sphincter-preserving surgical technique in which the fistula tract is identified in the intersphincteric plane, ligated, and divided to close the internal opening while preserving anal sphincter function.
A surgical approach involving placement of a seton through the fistula tract followed by fistulotomy (laying open of the tract) as definitive management for perianal fistula.
Locations(1)
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NCT07579715