Treatment of deep anal fistulas using a flap from the rectal wall

: Classic treatment of high anal fistulas by the laying open technique requires total or subtotal section of the sphincter muscles and results in anal incontinence. This study assesses the efficacy of the flap advancement technique in these cases. It entails the resection of the crypt at the origin of the fistula, the area being covered by a mucomuscular flap of the rectal wall. From 1977 to early 1992, 18 patients (13 female and 5 male patients; mean age: 40 years) presenting with a deep anal fistula underwent such an operation. There were 16 suprasphincteric and 2 high transsphincteric tracts. Associated IBD was noted in 7 cases (5 Crohn's colitis, 2 UC). Five fistulas were of obstetrical origin. In 8 cases, patients had undergone previous surgical treatments without success. All patients had a flap advancement. In 2 cases, a colostomy had been previously carried out. Two more diverting stomies were performed (combined abdominal procedures). No mortality or morbidity was encountered. Mean postoperative stay was 8 days. Current status could be established in all patients. Three immediate failures were observed (1 case of Crohn's disease, two recurring cases). All the other patients did well with persistent healing of the fistula after a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 6-150). Three stomies were closed; one patient delayed the procedure. Functional results were excellent. In the "success" group, all the evaluable patients (14/15) had normal fecal continence. Two female patients are still complaining of mild flatus incontinence. In the failure group, the preoperative anorectal function was maintained.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)