Effect of Short Term Versus Long Term Treatment With Seton Prior to LIFT Surgery for Complex Anal Fistula

Effect of Short Term Versus Long Term Treatment With Seton Prior to LIFT Surgery for Complex Anal Fistula, a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study is to compare short term (3 week) with long term (6 months) treatment with seton prior to LIFT surgery. The main end-points are recurrence rates and complication rates after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 20 and 65 years

• Complex anal fistula defined as

  • anterior fistulas in women
  • branched fistulas
  • fistulas in patients with anal incontinence
  • fistulas traversing more than 30% of the anal sphincter and therefore unsuitable for simple division.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Crohn's disease in the rectum
• Previous LIFT surgery on same side
• Patient already treated with seton > 3 weeks
• Not able or willing to sign informed consent