An interventional study of Seton Re-routing in High Perianal Fistula, Fistula-in-Ano and High Anal Fistula, sponsored by Assiut University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-30.
Sponsored by Assiut University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
High perianal fistulae involve a significant portion of the external anal sphincter muscle, making standard surgical fistulotomy risky due to the potential for postoperative fecal incontinence. Sphincter-preserving techniques aim to eradicate the fistula tract and promote healing while safeguarding anal continence.
The purpose of this prospective, single-arm clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two-stage seton re-routing technique in adult patients diagnosed with high perianal fistula at Assiut University Hospital.
The procedure is conducted in two stages:
Participants will be monitored weekly during the first month, followed by regular monthly follow-up visits for a minimum of 6 to 9 months postoperatively. The study assesses complete fistula healing, recurrence rates, healing time, operative duration, postoperative complications, and anal continence status evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic (Wexner) Incontinence Score preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants undergo a two-stage seton re-routing procedure: (1) Stage 1: Under spinal or general anesthesia, identification and curettage of the tract followed by loose draining seton placement through the high fistula tract for 6-12 weeks to control sepsis and allow fibrotic maturation. (2) Stage 2: An incision is made in the intersphincteric plane beneath the main external anal sphincter body to create a low submucosal or intersphincteric tunnel toward the dentate line. The seton is untied and re-routed through this low pathway, isolating the high transsphincteric component to heal by secondary fibrosis. The resulting downstaged low superficial tract is either laid open immediately (low fistulotomy) or managed with staged seton tightening.
Procedure: Seton Re-routing
A two-stage sphincter-sparing surgical procedure: Stage 1: Under spinal or general anesthesia, identification and curettage of the tract, followed by placement of a loose draining seton through the high fistula tract for 6 to 12 weeks to control local sepsis and promote fibrotic maturation. Stage 2: An incision is made in the intersphincteric plane beneath the main external anal sphincter body to create a low submucosal or intersphincteric tunnel toward the dentate line. The seton is untied and re-routed through this lower pathway, isolating the high transsphincteric component to heal spontaneously by secondary fibrosis. The resulting downstaged low tract is either laid open immediately (low fistulotomy) or managed by staged seton tightening.
Number of Participants With Complete Fistula Healing
Complete fistula healing is defined as complete epithelialization and closure of both external and internal openings, with absence of discharge, pain, and induration on clinical examination.
Time frame: 9 months
No study locations are listed for this record.
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Assiut University