Multi-national observational study to assess quality of life and treatment preferences in patients with Crohn’s perianal fistulas

Table 5 Satisfaction with perianal fistula treatments

	Cohort 2	Cohort 3
	CPF no surgery (n = 174)	CPF with surgery (n = 135)
Satisfaction with PF treatments (on a scale of 1-9), mean ± SD, % rated ≥ 7
Medication	6.5 (1.4), 57a	6.4 (1.5), 50a
Long-term seton placement	6.7 (1.5), 57b	6.2 (1.7), 47c
Endorectal/anal advancement flap	6.2 (1.7), 52a	6.3 (1.7), 52a
Fibrin glue	6.4 (1.9), 61a	6.2 (1.6), 45a
Anal fistula plug	6.6 (1.8), 66a	6.5 (1.6), 56a
Fistulectomy/fistulotomy	6.9 (1.6), 68a	6.3 (1.9), 50a
LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract)	6.7 (1.5), 65a	6.2 (1.7), 46a
Satisfaction with PF treatment attributes (on a scale of 1-9), mean ± SD, % rated ≥ 7
Aids in closure of external opening of the fistulas	6.4 (1.5), 48a	6.5 (1.6), 55a
Reduction or no drainage	6.4 (1.6), 54a	6.4 (1.6), 51a
Time required for symptom improvement	6.3 (1.6), 54a	6.3 (1.7), 50a
Time required for rehabilitation	6.2 (1.7), 51a	6.2 (1.8), 52a
Length of duration before symptom(s) recur	6.3 (1.7), 52a	6.3 (1.8), 52a
Has minimal side effects (local pain, redness, itchiness)	6.2 (1.9), 54a	6.3 (1.8), 53a
Minimal risk of fecal incontinence	6.3 (1.7), 51a	6.4 (1.7), 53a
Not requiring a long-term seton placement	6.4 (1.7), 52a	6.6 (1.7), 59a
Less invasive nature of treatment (not requiring incision)	6.4 (1.7), 56a	6.3 (1.8), 48a

^aNo statistically significant difference versus the other cohort.

^bP < 0.05 vs cohort 3.

^cP < 0.05 vs cohort 2.

On a scale of 1-9, a higher number indicates a greater satisfaction. P values are shown where there is a statistically significant difference between specified cohorts. Bonferroni adjustment was applied when comparing more than 2 groups at P < 0.05. CPF: Crohn’s perianal fistulas; PF: Perianal fistulas.