Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans-sphincteric fistulas.

Aim: Anal fistula is one of the most common anal diseases, affecting between 1 and 3 per 10 000 people per year. Symptoms have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to cure the fistula and preserve anal sphincter function.

Distalization of perianal fistulas after loose silicone seton drainage is a myth.

Background: It is often stated that loose seton drainage results in distal migration of a fistula tract in perianal fistula. The aim of the present study was to assess this distalization of trans- and suprasphincteric perianal fistulas after a silicone seton has been inserted.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent loose seton placement for the management of a transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistula between January 2016 and December 2021 with a pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the present retrospective study.

European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula.

Aim: The primary aim of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Guideline Development Group (GDG) was to produce high-quality, evidence-based guidelines for the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula with input from a multidisciplinary group and using transparent, reproducible methodology.

Methods: Previously published methodology in guideline development by the ESCP has been replicated in this project. The guideline development process followed the requirements of the AGREE-S tool kit.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Proctectomy With Two-Stage Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis for Iatrogenic Rectourethral Fistulas.

Introduction: Rectourethral fistula is an uncommon pathology, usually iatrogenic, occurring as a complication of surgical or ablative treatments for prostate or rectal cancer. Among other surgical techniques, restorative ultralow rectal anterior resection may be an option of last resort to achieve fistula closure avoiding the need for a permanent stoma. This article aims to describe a transanal minimally invasive-assisted Turnbull-Cutait technique for radiated rectourethral fistulas with a complementary video.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract for High Transsphincteric Fistula Yields Moderate Results at Best: Is the Tide Turning?

Background: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract is a well-accepted and often used surgical procedure for perianal fistulas.

Objective: This study aims to confirm results of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract in a specialized colorectal center.

Design: This is a retrospective cohort study.