Comparative Study Between Open Fistulectomy and Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistulas Tract (LIFT) Procedure for Uncomplicated Perianal Fistula

Muhammad Danial Yousaf; Khalid  Mahmood; Muhammad  Saqlain; Waleed  Umer; Muhammad  Imran; Umer  Naeem

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v76iSUPPL-7.10280

Authors

Muhammad Danial Yousaf Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Khalid Mahmood Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Muhammad Saqlain Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Waleed Umer Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Muhammad Imran Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Umer Naeem Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v76iSUPPL-7.10280

Keywords:

Anal Incontinence, Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistulas Tract Operative Time, Perianal Fistula, Post-operative Pain.

Abstract

Objective: To compare open fistulectomy and Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistulas Tract (LIFT) procedure for uncomplicated perianal fistula.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from May 2022 to Feb 2023.

Methodology: A total of 70 patients (35 in open fistulectomy group, which was labelled Group-A, and 35 in LIFT group, which was labelled Group-B) fulfilling the inclusion criteria who had perianal fistula were included in the study. After taking consent, baseline characteristics were documented. Patients in both study groups were assessed for various operative and post-operative parameters including operative time, number of days of stay in hospital, post-operative pain (VAS) at post-operative day 1 and 7, anal incontinence and recurrence of perianal fistula at 6 months follow up.

Results: In our study, mean age was 35.58±9.15 years. There were 60(85.70%) male participants while remaining 10(14.30%) participants were female. Mean duration of disease was 10.62±2.58 months. Operative time was significantly lower in Group-A (p< 0.001). Median pain VAS was significantly lower in Group-B (p<0.001). No statistical difference was present between groups in terms of length of stay at hospitals, presence of anal incontinence and recurrence.

Conclusion: Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistulas Tract (LIFT) procedure is a good and safe alternative for the management of perianal fistula as compared to traditionally opted open fistulectomy.

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