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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2011; 17(28): 3272-3276
Published online Jul 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i28.3272
Published online Jul 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i28.3272
Anal fistula: Intraoperative difficulties and unexpected findings
Ahmed A Abou-Zeid, Department of Surgery, El Demerdash Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
Author contributions: Abou-Zeid AA wrote the manuscript, collected references and revised final draft.
Correspondence to: Ahmed A Abou-Zeid, MD, Professor in Colorectal Surgery, Unit 6, Department of Surgery, El Demerdash Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt. ahabaz@hotmail.com
Telephone: +20-2-22625004 Fax: +20-2-25921852
Received: July 15, 2010
Revised: August 18, 2010
Accepted: August 25, 2010
Published online: July 28, 2011
Revised: August 18, 2010
Accepted: August 25, 2010
Published online: July 28, 2011
Abstract
Anal fistula surgery is a commonly performed procedure. The diverse anatomy of anal fistulae and their proximity to anal sphincters make accurate preoperative diagnosis essential to avoid recurrence and fecal incontinence. Despite the fact that proper preoperative diagnosis can be reached in the majority of patients by simple clinical examination, endoanal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, on many occasions, unexpected findings can be encountered during surgery that can make the operation difficult and correct decision-making crucial. In this article we discuss the difficulties and unexpected findings that can be encountered during anal fistula surgery and how to overcome them.
Keywords: Anal; Cryptogenic; Fistula; Surgery