[Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug (LIFT-plug) in the treatment of transsphincteric perianal fistula].

Objective: To assess the treatment outcome of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug(LIFT-plug) for transsphincteric perianal fistulas.

Methods: Clinical data of 36 patients with transsphincteric perianal fiftula who were managed by the LIFT-plug technique between November 2010 and February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Clinical healing of the fistula, defined as the absence of drainage with no evidence of residual fistula tract, occurred in 34(94.4%) patients. The operative time ranged from 12 to 35 minutes(mean, 17 minutes). The median postoperative length of stay was 5 days. The median healing time was 18 days. No complications requiring intervention occurred. The postoperative follow up was at least 3 months and two patients had recurrence(5.6%).

Conclusions: LIFT-plug procedure for the management of transsphincteric perianal fistulas is simple with high healing rate, minimal invasiveness, quick healing, and without disturbance to anal function. LIFT-plug is an ideal procedure for intrasphinteric fistula.