Long-term results of the cutting seton for high anal fistula.

Background: No single procedure for high anal fistula delivers a high cure rate while also completely protecting sphincter function. This paper reports our long-term results with the cutting seton for high fistulae and draws comparisons with advancement flap and ligation of intersphincteric fistula track (LIFT) procedures.

Methods: A retrospective study of prospectively collected data in consecutive patients undergoing treatment with cutting seton for high cryptoglandular fistulae was carried out. A strict protocol dictated tightening intervals of at least 4 weeks and no muscle division. In 59 patients (male : female = 39:20) followed-up at mean 9.4 years (range 1.7-15.6 years) healing rates, continence (St Mark's score 0-24), patient-perceived overall change in bowel control (-5 to +5), faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) and overall patient satisfaction (visual analogue score 0-10) were assessed.

Results: Primary and secondary healing rates were 93% and 98%. Mean continence score was 4.1, significantly worse in women than men (median 6, range 0-22 versus median 1, range 0-17; P = 0.006). Seventy-eight per cent of patients had normal continence or minor incontinence (score 0-6), 13.5% moderate incontinence (score 7-12) and 8.5% severe incontinence (score >12). Sixty-three per cent of patients had no change or improved patient-perceived overall bowel control. Mean FIQL scores were high and significantly correlated with continence. Median satisfaction score was 9.

Conclusion: Cutting seton for high anal fistula achieved healing in 98% with good continence in the majority, particularly in males, and a high level of patient satisfaction. Multicentre prospective studies are needed to adequately compare cutting seton, flap and LIFT procedures.