Simple and Complex Anal Fistulas: Indications for Treatment in a General Surgery Department

Abstract In this paper, we selected a series of 80 consecutive patients from 2001 to 2019 suffering from simple and complex anal fistulas treated with fistulotomy with a combined loose and cutting seton technique. We considered the rates of healing, recurrence and postoperative incontinence. The results are satisfactory and comparable to those of other series of dedicated coloproctologists. We aim to demonstrate, mainly by using clinical and objective examination under anaesthesia, directly at the time of surgery, as even in a Department of General Surgery not-dedicated to Colo-rectal Surgery, such as ours, particularly complex anal fistulas can be treated with results comparable to those of Specialized Units. Keywords: Anal, Fistula- in-ano, Seton, Surgery for transphincteric fistula.