The novel BioHealx®assisted fistula treatment (BAFT): effective primary fistula healing with continence preservation

This first in human assessment of the BAFT procedure for transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula in ano demonstrated an 84.4% rate of primary healing without recurrence of transsphincteric fistulas with preservation of fecal continence quality of life in 96.8% of patients. Successful compression apposition closure of the fistula tract lumen within the anal sphincter complex delivered the healing rate by primary intention of the fistula tract without any device-related complications or migration. Surgeon mastery of the procedure is straightforward. These outcome data support both a high rate of initial healing and durability of the BAFT procedure for transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula in ano that are favorable when compared to LIFT, endoanal flap, cutting seton, or fistulotomy/sphincteroplasty surgical options.