[Cryptoglandular anal fistulas]

Cryptoglandular anal fistulae are the most frequently occurring form of perianal sepsis. Characteristically they have an endoanal primary opening, a fistula track and an abscess and/or an external purulent opening. Antibiotic therapy is not of use in initial management except in special cases. Treatment of an abscess, if present, is required urgently and when possible, consists of its incision under local anaesthesia. Treating the fistula track occurs afterwards and aims to dry up the purulent discharge and avoid recurrence of the abscess by means of surgical fistulotomy. These techniques are very effective in terms of eradication of the problem but there is sometimes a risk of anal incontinence. This explains the increasing interest in sphincter preserving techniques using the advancement of a covering flap of rectal mucosa and the injection of fibrin glue.