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.