DLPL Sphincter Saving Laser Surgery for Complex Anal Fistula - A Gold Standard Procedure. Study of 40 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Complex anal fistula (CAF) is a complex condition to treat because of the possibility of recurrence and impoverished continence. DLPL (Distal laser proximal ligation), is a novel approach to treating difficult anal fistula that involves suturing the proximal portion of the fistula tract close to the internal opening and using a diode laser to close the distal part of the fistula tract. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of DLPL Sphincter Saving Laser Surgery for Complex Anal Fistula. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of DLPL Sphincter Saving Laser Surgery for Complex Anal Fistula - A Gold Standard Procedure in a study of 40 cases. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study that investigated the outcomes of DLPL (Distal Laser Proximal Ligation) for patients with complex anal fistula. The patients met clinical diagnosis of complex anal fistula according to the Parks classification, age of 10 years or more, and failure of previous conservative or surgical treatments. The patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months after the surgery, and assessed using fistulogram, endo anal ultrasound, MRI. Result: The study enrolled 40 patients (35 males and 5 females) with mean age being 31.25 years. 31 (77.50%) patients had non-specified histopathology. 2 (5.00%) patients had Chron’s disease, 2 (5.00%) patients had F.B Granuloma, and 5 (12.50%) patients had Tuberculosis. The patients were assessed using fistulogram, endo anal ultrasound, MRI. After 6 months, the patients were followed up and 38 (95.00%) patients had no recurrence, only 2 (5.00%) patients had recurrence. Conclusion: The results showed high success rate and low complication rate of DLPL for complex anal fistula. Therefore, this study concluded that DLPL is a safe and effective sphincter-saving technique for complex anal fistula, and that it may be considered as a gold standard procedure for this challenging c