Laser Closure of Anal Fistula (FiLaC)

Laser closure of the perianal fistula is the minimally invasive and low complication rate procedure which is a life-saving way for complex fistulas, preserving anal sphincter injury. Unfortunately, wide range success rate reported before (30-80%), the investigators are searching to reach better rates. Internal closure of the fistula orifice offered by some authors. The investigators are aimed to identify the efficiency of this.

Despite the developments in the surgical field, the treatment of anal fistula is still a challenging problem, especially in complex, transsphincteric cases. The surgical treatment aims to avoid recurrences and also to preserve normal sphincter functions. The FiLaC procedure was recently reported non-invasive technique in perianal fistulas for treatment and preserving anal sphincter function with a good success rate. In 2018, one of our colleagues published a 40% complete healing rate by using only FiLaC technique in 103 consecutive perianal fistula patients (Prof. Cem Terzi). Some authors advocated that the closure of the internal orifice increasing the success rate. Therefore, the investigators decided to modify the surgical technique focusing closure of the internal opening associated with the FiLaC procedure.

The FiLaC procedure was performed using a ceramic diode laser platform (12 watts, 1470-nm wavelength). The laser fiber was introduced into the fistula tract via the external orifice using the seldinger maneuver until the internal orifice was found. The fiber delivered laser energy homogenously at 3600, causing shrinkage of the fistula tract around the fiber while it was withdrawn at the speed of 1 mm/s (2). We planned to randomized patients in two groups. Group 1) FiLaC closure of the tract, group 2) FiLaC closure of the tract with an additional surgical technique as the closure of the internal orifice with a purse-string suture using 2-0 polyglactin (VicrylR).

Patients diagnosed with anal fistula treated by laser closure of the tract with an additional surgical technique as the closure of the internal orifice with a purse-string suture using 2-0 polyglactin

The FiLaC procedure was performed using a ceramic diode laser platform (12 watts, 1470-nm wavelength). The laser fiber was introduced into the fistula tract via the external orifice using the seldinger maneuver until the internal orifice was found. The fiber delivered laser energy homogenously at 3600, causing shrinkage of the fistula tract around the fiber while it was withdrawn at the speed of 1 mm/s

0: no active disease or complete healing, slight drainage with minimal symptoms, persistent symptomatic drainage, painful symptomatic drainage, severe perianal disease potentially requiring diversion

Inclusion Criteria: complex anal fistula high anal fistulas recurrent anal fistulas Exclusion Criteria: superficial anal fistulas multibranching anal fistulas

Study Protocol Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP) Informed Consent Form (ICF) Clinical Study Report (CSR)

Terzi MC, Agalar C, Habip S, Canda AE, Arslan NC, Obuz F. Closing Perianal Fistulas Using a Laser: Long-Term Results in 103 Patients. Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 May;61(5):599-603. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000001038.

Wilhelm A. A new technique for sphincter-preserving anal fistula repair using a novel radial emitting laser probe. Tech Coloproctol. 2011 Dec;15(4):445-9. doi: 10.1007/s10151-011-0726-0. Epub 2011 Aug 16.

Ozturk E, Gulcu B. Laser ablation of fistula tract: a sphincter-preserving method for treating fistula-in-ano. Dis Colon Rectum. 2014 Mar;57(3):360-4. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000000067.

Wilhelm A, Fiebig A, Krawczak M. Five years of experience with the FiLaC laser for fistula-in-ano management: long-term follow-up from a single institution. Tech Coloproctol. 2017 Apr;21(4):269-276. doi: 10.1007/s10151-017-1599-7. Epub 2017 Mar 7.