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. 2023 Dec 14;28(1):16.
doi: 10.1007/s10151-023-02882-3.

Distalization of perianal fistulas after loose silicone seton drainage is a myth

Carolien Verkade  1 , G Fiek A J B van Tilborg  1   2 , Jasper Stijns  1   3 , Daria K Wasowicz  1 , David D E Zimmerman  4
Affiliations

Distalization of perianal fistulas after loose silicone seton drainage is a myth

Carolien Verkade et al. Tech Coloproctol. .

Abstract

Background: It is often stated that loose seton drainage results in distal migration of a fistula tract in perianal fistula. The aim of the present study was to assess this distalization of trans- and suprasphincteric perianal fistulas after a silicone seton has been inserted.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent loose seton placement for the management of a transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistula between January 2016 and December 2021 with a pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the present retrospective study. The height of the external anal sphincter (EAS) and the level of penetration of perianal fistula through the EAS or puborectal muscle (PRM) were determined on MRI. Primary outcome was migration of the fistula tract through the EAS and PRM.

Results: Thirty-eight patients with perianal fistulas were included. Median height of the EAS was 28 (IQR 25-34) mm before seton placement and 27 (IQR 24-33) mm afterward. Median level of perforation was 32 (IQR 17-40) mm before seton placement and 28 (IQR 17-40) mm afterward (p = 0.37). One fistula (3%) was downgraded from mid to low transsphincteric and was laid open after 14.9 months of loose seton drainage.

Conclusions: No statistically significant distalization of complex fistula tracts after loose silicone seton drainage was found. Some complex fistulas may downgrade to a less complex fistula after long-term seton drainage. However, loose silicone seton drainage should not be offered to patients as a treatment option to downgrade a complex fistula to a simple one or even have the hope to heal it.

Keywords: Complex perianal fistula; Distalisation; Distalization; Fistula-in-ano; Magnetic resonance imaging; Outward migration; Rectal fistula; Seton.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this study.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Measuring external anal sphincter  length and level of penetration. A Coronal sequence fistula MRI. B Perianal anatomy on MRI: green = fistula, yellow = internal anal sphincter, red = external anal sphincter, purple = puborectal muscle, orange = levator ani muscles. C Length of the external anal sphincter. D Level of penetration
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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