SynthesisBJS open2025
Video-assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anorectal fistula: meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BJS open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundComplex anal fistulas pose a significant challenge in colorectal surgery, with varying treatment outcomes. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) has emerged as a promising approach, but its efficacy and safety remain to be fully established.
methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and risk of bias was evaluated. Random-effect meta-analyses were employed to pool estimates of VAAFT's efficacy and safety outcomes compared with traditional surgical techniques (including seton, plug, fistulectomy with flap, Filac), presented as odds and risk ratios, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals.
resultsA total of 15 observational studies were included with 999 patients. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that VAAFT is associated with a pooled odds ratio clinical success rate of 1.039 (95% confidence interval 1.026 to 1.054), reduced recurrence rate (pooled risk ratio 0.941, 95% confidence interval 0.928 to 0.955), and fewer postoperative complications (pooled risk ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 0.95). Additionally, VAAFT was linked to an improved postoperative quality of life (pooled odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.09).
conclusionVAAFT is an effective and safe procedure for treating complex anal fistulas.
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