Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract compared with advancement flap for complex anorectal fistulas requiring initial seton drainage

BACKGROUND: The ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a relatively new surgical technique for treating complex anorectal fistulas. METHODS: LIFT was compared with anorectal advancement flap management (ARAF) of complex anorectal fistulas requiring previous seton drainage. Crohn's patients were excluded. Patients with no confirmed recurrent sepsis after 6 months were randomized to day surgery performance of LIFT (25; 17 male) or ARAF (14; 10 male) with removal of the seton. Outcome measures included recurrences, surgical time, complications, hospital readmissions, and fecal incontinence. RESULTS: LIFT was 32.5 minutes shorter than ARAF (P < .001). Complications were similar, with no hospital readmissions. Return to normal activities was 1 week for LIFT patients, 2 weeks for ARAF patients (P = .016). At 19 months there were 3 recurrences (2 in the LIFT group). One ARAF patient had minor incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The LIFT procedure was simple, safe, shorter, and patients returned to work earlier. All patients had preliminary seton drainage, possibly contributing to the low recurrence rates. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.