ArticleTechniques in coloproctology2016
An experience with video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) with new insights into the treatment of anal fistulae.
Article in Techniques in coloproctology, 2016. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 14 papers, 5 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
14 citing papers in PubMed, 5 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 50 citations in OpenAlex.
- Surgical management of complex perianal fistula revisited in a systematic review: a critical view of available scientific evidence.BMC surgery · 2023Pooled it
- Efficacy and Safety of Sphincter-Preserving Surgery in the Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula: A Network Meta-Analysis.Frontiers in surgery · 2022Pooled it
- Evaluation and management of perianal abscess and anal fistula: SICCR position statement.Techniques in coloproctology · 2020Guideline
- A Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT).Surgical endoscopy · 2018Pooled it
- Short-term efficacy and safety of three novel sphincter-sparing techniques for anal fistulae: a systematic review.Techniques in coloproctology · 2017Pooled it
- Trial
- Long-term outcomes of video-assisted anal fistula treatment.Surgical endoscopy · 2026Observational
- Assessing the suitability of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for obese patients compared to conventional surgery: a question worth investigating.International journal of colorectal disease · 2024Article
- Surgery of Simple and Complex Anal Fistulae in Adults: A Review of the Literature for Optimal Surgical Outcomes.Cureus · 2023Review
- VAAFT for complex anal fistula: a useful tool, however, cure is unlikely.Techniques in coloproctology · 2021Article
- Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) for complex anorectal fistula: efficacy and risk factors for failure at 3-year follow-up.Techniques in coloproctology · 2020Article
- Comment on 'Optimized fistulectomy using the novel FiXcisionTechniques in coloproctology · 2019Article
- Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) for Complex Anal Fistula: A Preliminary Evaluation in China.Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research · 2017Article
- Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment: Pros and Cons of This Minimally Invasive Method for Treatment of Perianal Fistulas.Gastroenterology research and practice · 2017Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe aim of this retrospective study was to assess our experience of 41 patients with anal fistulae treated with video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT).
methodsForty-one consecutive patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulae were included. Patients with low intersphincteric anal fistulae or those with gross perineal abscess were excluded. Eleven (27 %) patients had undergone prior fistula surgery with 5 (12 %) having had three or more previous operations.
resultsAll patients underwent the diagnostic phase as well as diathermy and curettage of the fistula tracts during VAAFT. Primary healing rate was 70.7 % at a median follow-up of 34 months. Twelve patients recurred or did not heal and underwent a repeat VAAFT procedure utilising various methods of dealing with the internal opening. There was a secondary healing rate of 83 % with two recurrences. Overall, stapling of the internal opening had a 22 % recurrence rate, while anorectal advancement flap had a 75 % failure rate. There was no recurrence seen in six cases after using the over-the-scope-clip (OTSC(®)) system to secure the internal opening.
conclusionsVAAFT is useful in the identification of fistula tracts and enables closure of the internal opening. Adequate closure is essential with the method used to close large or fibrotic internal openings being the determining factor for success or failure. The OTSC system delivered the most consistent result without leaving a substantial perianal wound. Ensuring thorough curettage and drainage of the tract during VAAFT is also important to facilitate healing. We believe that this understanding will bring about a decrease in the high recurrence rates currently seen in many series of anal fistulae.
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