Abstract

CASE REPORT: A NOVEL MODIFIED APPROACH IN MANAGEMENT OF FISTULA IN ANO: LIFT

*Prachi Gangwar and Lakshman Singh

Abstract

Fistula-in-ano is the chronic phase of anorectal infection and is characterized by chronic purulent drainage or cyclical pain associated with abscess reaccumulation followed by intermittent spontaneous decompression. The goals of surgery for fistula-in ano are permanent healing and preservation of anal continence. Traditional surgical techniques, namely fistulotomy and seton technique, sever the internal anal sphincters and may damage the external anal sphincters. The LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract) technique is yet another approach in treating a fistula-in-ano. LIFT procedure is based on secure closure of the internal opening and removal of infected cryptoglandular tissue through the intersphincteric approach.

Keywords: Fistula-in-ano, LIFT, anal sphincters, anal continence.