Preface

The surgical management of anal fistula is deceptively straight forward. Hippocrates wrote about it nearly 2500 years ago. What time has demonstrated, however, is that not all fistulas are the same, and the straightforward lay open fistulotomy carries with it a significant risk of incontinence to both gas and feces. These complications may take years to develop, and so remain underappreciated. In addition, while idiopathic cryptoglandular infection is the dominant etiology, less common causes must be considered as they may alter the surgical approach.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research