Perianal fistula (fistula-in-ano) is a common anorectal condition characterized by an abnormal tract between the anal canal and perianal skin. It is associated with recurrent infection, discharge, and discomfort, and often requires surgical management. However, the ideal surgical technique remains controversial due to the balance required between complete eradication of the fistula tract and preservation of anal sphincter function.
Traditional surgical approaches such as fistulotomy involve laying open the fistula tract but may result in varying degrees of sphincter muscle division, leading to potential fecal incontinence. To overcome this limitation, sphincter-preserving techniques such as the Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) procedure have been introduced. LIFT involves identification and ligation of the fistula tract in the intersphincteric plane, thereby minimizing damage to the anal sphincter.
Fistulotomy with seton placement is another commonly practiced technique, especially for trans-sphincteric fistulas. The seton allows gradual drainage and fibrosis before definitive fistulotomy, potentially reducing the risk of uncontrolled sphincter division but still carrying a risk of incontinence.
Despite numerous international studies comparing these techniques, results remain inconsistent due to variations in study design, patient populations, and surgical expertise. Moreover, limited local data from Pakistan necessitates further research to guide clinical decision-making in this setting.
This analytical comparative study will be conducted at the Colorectal and General Surgery Department of Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad. A total of 100 patients aged 18-65 years with primary trans-sphincteric or inter-sphincteric perianal fistula will be included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients will be allocated into two groups based on the surgical procedure performed: Group A (LIFT) and Group B (fistulotomy with seton).
Preoperative data including demographic characteristics, fistula type, and baseline continence scores will be recorded. Surgical procedures will be standardized and performed or supervised by experienced surgeons. Postoperative follow-up will be conducted at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks to assess outcomes.
The primary outcome of the study is preservation of fecal continence at 12 weeks, assessed using a validated continence scoring system. Secondary outcomes include wound healing time, recurrence rate, postoperative pain scores, and overall complication rate.
Data will be analyzed using statistical software. Continuous variables will be compared using independent-sample t-tests, while categorical variables will be analyzed using chi-square tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Multivariate analysis may be performed to adjust for confounding factors.
This study aims to provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness and safety of LIFT versus fistulotomy with seton, helping surgeons select the most appropriate technique with optimal patient outcomes and minimal complications.
