Fibrin glue for all anal fistulas

J Gastrointest Surg. 2001 Mar-Apr;5(2):158-61. doi: 10.1016/s1091-255x(01)80028-7.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if a new sphincter muscle-sparing technique that uses fibrin glue was effective in closing all types of anal fistulas. All patients with anal fistulas who were seen by a single surgeon over a 2-year period were treated with fibrin glue. Six to 8 weeks after a seton was placed in the fistula tract, either autologous fibrin glue or commercially available fibrin sealant was used to close the fistula tract. Twenty patients were treated with a mean follow-up of 10 months. Etiology of the anal fistulas was as follows: cryptoglandular in 13, Crohn's disease in four, and miscellaneous in three. Fibrin glue closure of the anal fistula was successful initially in 15 patients (75%) and was successful after a second treatment in two additional patients, for an overall fibrin glue fistula closure rate of 85% (17 of 20). Functional results have remained excellent with no patient reporting any change in continence after treatment. Fibrin glue is simple and effective treatment for all anal fistulas with excellent functional results.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Fistula / surgery*
  • Tissue Adhesives / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
  • Tissue Adhesives