Evaluation of blind anal fistula treatment (BAFT) for anal fistula treatment

Abstract

Anal fistulas are one of the most common types of benign anorectal diseases. Despite its nature, treating more complex fistulas, such as horseshoe anal fistulas, is challenging for physicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the method of blind anal fistula treatment (BAFT) for the treatment of anal fistula in order to present the results of the surgical method of anal fistula treatment with the least invasiveness. Methods: In this clinical trial study, all patients admitted to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2021 who were candidates for perianal fistula surgery were admitted to the study by observing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: BAFT and fistulotomy. After surgery, patient information was recorded and evaluated using a checklist. Results: In this clinical trial study, 50 patients were included in the study. Of these, 41 (82%) were male and 9 (18%) were female. Most of the patients were in the age group of 30 to 40 years. The most common symptoms of patients when visiting the clinic included perianal abscess with drainage. In the results of surgery, the duration of hospitalization and the duration of return to daily activities in the BAFT group were significantly shorter than the fistulotomy group plus columnar.