Anal fistulas: what's new? Lift procedure

Surgical treatment of anal fistula accomplishes a delicate balance between eradicating the fistula without compromising continence. Treatment alternatives evolved through time, and lately, new options are being considered in order to achieve successful results avoiding compromise of sphincter and adding better quality of life. The LIFT (Ligation of the Intersphincteric FistulaTract) is a sphincter-preserving technique, adding a safe options to our alternatives in managing transphincteric fistula. The technique disconnects the internal opening from the fistulous tract and removes the infected residual anal gland, without dividing any part of the anal sphincter complex In our experience 24 patients (16 males and 8 females) were treated by LIFT procedure. Mean age was 45,2 (25-77) years, with a mean follow up of 13,7 (25,7-2.1) months. Operative time was 40 (20-80) minutes. Two (8,3%) recurrences were reported along the follow up period. One was treated with a LIFT plus BioLIFT after a seton placement during 11 months (Figure 5) and other had a repeated LIFT.