Total fistulectomy with simple closure of the internal opening in the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas: long-term results and functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Total fistulectomy with simple closure of the internal opening has been used for the management of complex anal fistulas. This approach involves complete removal of the fistula tract and closure of the internal opening with sutures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report long-term outcomes in patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas who undergo this procedure. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of a prospectively collected consecutive series. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a community-based hospital with a specialized colorectal unit. PATIENTS: Patients included in this study had cryptoglandular fistulas and underwent total fistulectomy with simple closure of the internal opening between 1997 and 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were success rate and postoperative continence (Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale). Treatment was considered successful if the external opening was closed and no drainage was present at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Success was achieved in 187 (74%) patients with a median follow-up time of 70 (range, 14-141) months. Patients with posterior transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas had a higher success rate than those with other types of fistulas (82% vs 67%; p = 0.014), and patients for whom the procedure failed were significantly younger than those for whom the procedure was a success (mean, 45 vs 50 years; p = 0.010). Of 160 patients with success who had no previous surgery, 89 (56%) had normal continence postoperatively (CCF-FI score = 0). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, the potential for selection bias, and the lack of preoperative continence scores. CONCLUSIONS: Total fistulectomy with simple closure of the internal opening is effective for the long-term closure of complex cryptoglandular fistulas. However, this procedure may affect continence despite its sphincter-sparing quality. Nonetheless, the high success rate in patients with posterior transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas renders this procedure a reasonable option in this subgroup of patients with complex fistulas.