Fistula-in-ano. A six year follow up study of 143 operated patients

Of 143 patients operated upon for anal fistulae, all but eight have healed satisfactorally, Impaired healing was seen in patients with high fistulae operated with a modified Elting repair, and in patients suffering from Crohn's disease. When the internal opening was localized and the fistula laid open and excised, healing took place in almost all cases. This method may cause incontinence with high fistulae, and other methods must be used. A loop suture technique gave satisfoactory results both in regard to healing and anal control. Following a modified Elting repair in nine cases, recurrence was seen in four. However, we still believe this method is of value since it leaves the sphincters intact.