A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS MODALITIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FISTULA IN ANO

Background: Fistula in ano is a track that connects deeply the anal canal or rectum to the skin around the anus. Fistula in ano most commonly follows an anorectal sepsis1. The main principles of management of anal fistula are closure of internal opening of fistula tract, drainage of infection or necrotic tissue, and eradication of fistulous tract with preservation of sphincter function. The objectives were to compare the various aspects like per operative complications, post-operative complications, mean hospital stay in the treatment of fistula in ano using various modalities like fistulotomy, fistulectomy, setons and lift procedure. Methods: This is a randomised, comparative, prospective study of 80 cases of fistula in ano, presenting at surgical opd of MGMCHRC Jaipur Out of which, 20 cases are treated by fistulectomy, 20 by seton, 20 by fistulotomy and the rest 20 cases by LIFT procedure by random selection method, during period of NOVEMBER 1, 2024 to 31st October 2025. Results: Most common age of presentation is 31-40 years and more common in males then females (M: F= 2.3:1). Per operative complications include bleeding seen more in patients undergoing fistulectomy. Per operative course of LIFT procedure patients was complication free. Postoperative pain seen more in patients undergoing setons procedure. Conclusions: we conclude that LIFT procedure and Fistulotomy were acceptable procedures for simple, uncomplicated low lying and high lying fistula.