Comparing Ksharasutra (Ayurvedic Seton) and open fistulotomy in the management of fistula-in-ano.

Background: Most commonly practiced surgical "lay open" technique to treat fistula-in-ano (a common anorectal pathology) has high rate of recurrence and anal incontinence. Alternatively, a nonsurgical cost efficient treatment with Ksharasutra (cotton Seton coated with Ayurvedic medicines) has minimal complications. In our study, we have tried to compare these two techniques.