Postoperative three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound findings and relation to anal fistula plug failure.

Objectives: To explore the utilization of three-dimensional (3D) endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) for the follow-up of the anal fistula plug (AFP), describe morphological findings in postoperative 3D EAUS, and evaluate if postoperative 3D EAUS combined with clinical symptoms can predict AFP failure.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 3D EAUS examinations performed during a single-centre study of prospectively included consecutive patients treated with the AFP between May 2006 and October 2009. Postoperative assessment by clinical examination and 3D EAUS was performed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6-12 months ("late control").

Long-term outcome of the Surgisis (Biodesign ) anal fistula plug for complex cryptoglandular and Crohn's fistulas.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term success rate of treatment with the Surgisis (Biodesign ) anal fistula plug for complex anal fistulas, assess fistula plug failure over time and compare success rates for fistula plug between a group of patients with cryptoglandular fistula and another group with Crohn's fistula.

Method: This is a single-centre study of consecutive patients treated with the Surgisis (Biodesign ) anal fistula plug between May 2006 and October 2009. All patients had complex anal fistulas in need of surgical treatment.

[Clinical Effectiveness of "FlexiTeam" (Home Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Treatment) - Comparison of a Model Project According to § 64b in Berlin with Inpatient Treatment-as-Usual].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of "Home Treatment" (HT) together with intensive outpatient treatment (IAB) in comparison to the usual psychiatric inpatient treatment.

Methods: In a retrospective controlled pre-post-study 83 patients receiving HT plus IAB were matched with 83 patients receiving inpatient treatment as usual. Routine data were compared with regard to length of stay and hospital readmission rate in a follow-up period of 6 and 12 months respectively.

An open prospective study evaluating efficacy and safety of a new medical device for rectal application of activated carbon in the treatment of chronic, uncomplicated perianal fistulas.

Purpose: It has been proposed that biological/chemical substances in the intestine might play a role in the occurrence and deterioration of perianal fistulas. Elimination of such unidentified factors from the lower gastrointestinal tract might offer a new strategy for the management of anal fistulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects on non-Crohn's disease perianal fistula healing, and the safety and tolerability of a new medical device that applies high-purity, high-activity granular activated carbon locally into the rectum twice daily of patients with perianal fistulas without any concomitant medication.

A unique 3D endoanal ultrasound feature of perianal Crohn's fistula: the 'Crohn ultrasound fistula sign'.

Aim: Using a high-resolution 3D endoanal ultrasound, we have observed that some perianal fistulas show a hypoechogenic fistula tract surrounded by a well-defined hyperechogenic area with a thin hypoechogenic edge in patients with Crohn's disease ['Crohn's Ultrasound Fistula Sign' (CUFS)], unlike conventional fistula tracks. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of CUFS in a consecutive series of patients with anal fistula.

Method: Of 157 patients (median age 45, range 14-86 years, 100 males) with perianal fistula were examined with 3D endoanal ultrasound.