Failure rates and complications of four sphincter-sparing techniques for the treatment of fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several techniques are available to reduce the risk of sphincter injury when treating anal fistula, such as ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), fistula laser closure (FiLaC) and endoanal flap (EAF). The aim of this meta-analysis is to provide data on the safety, complications and failure of these techniques.

Methods

Studies published after 2017, with patients undergoing at least one among LIFT, VAAFT, FiLaC and EAF for perianal fistula and providing data regarding failure, were retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE. Primary outcome was failure; other outcomes included continence disturbance and complications.

Results

Forty-nine articles with 3520 patients were included. The failure rates were 28.6

SUBMITTER: Fuschillo G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12092498 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature