Efficacy of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel combined with compound polymyxin B ointment on wound healing after fistulotomy

This study investigated the effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) gel combined with compound polymyxin B ointment on wound healing after fistulotomy. This retrospective cohort analysis enrolled 156 patients with simple anal fistulas who underwent fistulotomy between January 2023 and March 2024. The primary outcome was wound healing time. The secondary outcomes included wound pain and exudate scores on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, recurrence and satisfaction rates, and anal function (Wexner score). Altogether, 156 eligible patients were analyzed, with 71 patients receiving conventional dressing changes (Group 1) and 85 patients receiving rbFGF gel combined with compound polymyxin B ointment (Group 2). The wound healing time was shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P < .05). No significant differences were observed in the median wound exudate scores on postoperative days 3 and 7 between the 2 groups, but Group 2 showed lower scores on day 14 (P < .05). The pain scores were lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 at all time points (all P < .05). At the 12-month follow-up, no recurrence was reported in either group, and the postoperative Wexner scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups, but Group 2 had higher satisfaction rates (94.19% vs 84.51%, P < .05). rbFGF gel combined with compound polymyxin B ointment effectively promotes wound healing after fistulotomy, shortens healing time, and reduces postoperative pain.