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Permacol™ collagen paste injection for the treatment of complex anal fistula: 1-year follow-up
B Fabiani1, C Menconi1, J Martellucci2
1Proctological and Perineal Surgical Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Cisanello University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Background:
Optimal surgical treatment for anal fistula should result in healing of the fistula track and preserve anal continence. The aim of this study was to evaluate Permacol™ collagen paste (Covidien plc, Gosport, Hampshire, UK) injection for the treatment of complex anal fistulas, reporting feasibility, safety, outcome and functional results.
Methods:
Between May 2013 and December 2014, 21 consecutive patients underwent Permacol paste injection for complex anal fistula at our institutions. All patients underwent fistulectomy and seton placement 6-8 weeks before Permacol™ paste injection. Follow-up duration was 12 months.
Results:
Eighteen patients (85.7%) had a high transsphincteric anal fistula, and three female patients (14.3%) had an anterior transsphincteric fistula. Fistulas were recurrent in three patients (14.3%). Seven patients (33%) had a fistula with multiple tracts. After a follow-up of 12 months, ten patients were considered healed (overall success rate 47.6%). The mean preoperative FISI score was 0.33 ± 0.57 and 0.61 ± 1.02 after 12 months.
Conclusions:
Permacol™ paste injection was safe and effective in some patients with complex anal fistula without compromising continence.
