Sliding flap advancement for the treatment of high level fistulae

The technique of sliding flap advancement for the treatment of high anal fistulae is described. The technique is not suitable for cases with an acute abscess and is reserved for patients with a well-established chronic fistula track. Thirty patients with anal fistulae were treated by sliding flap advancement from 1980 to 1984. Twenty-nine patients had satisfactory results. With a follow-up ranging from 18 months to 4 years no recurrence of fistulae or abscess were observed. The advantages of the advancement flap technique over the staging division technique with application of a seton and over the rerouting technique are discussed.