Abstract:

Anal fistulas require surgical treatment to cure the fistula. The treatment must be directed by the etiology and anatomy of the fistula. The primary goal of operative treatment of anal fistula-in-ano is to obliterate the internal fistulous opening and any associated epithelialized tracks and to preserve anal sphincter function. Generally speaking, it has an extremely high cure rate in simple and low fistulas. But specifically high perianal fistulas, remain a surgical treatment challenge. Anal fistulae management is a balance of effective healing and the risk of incontinence from sphincter division. Several surgical approaches have been described for the management of fistula-in-ano, aimed to minimize the recurrence and to preserve the continence. In recent years, many techniques have, and still are, being developed to improve outcome after surgery.

Key words: Anal canal, Anal fistula, Complex anal fistula, Diagnosis, Treatment