1.
Comparison between application of platelet rich plasma and mucosal advancement flap in patients with high transsphincteric anal fistulas: a randomized control trial
Hermann J, Cwaliński J, Banasiewicz T, Kołodziejczak B
ANZ journal of surgery. 2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is still a search for a standard method of therapy for high anal fistulas. The aim of this trial was a comparison between a modified two stage minimally invasive procedure, consisting of loose-seton placement with the subsequent application of platelet rich plasma with mucosal advancement flap for the treatment of high transsphincteric anal fistulas of crypto-glandular origin. METHODS The study was designed as a prospective, randomized trial including 96 patients. Curettage of fistulous tracts, and loose-seton placement was performed in those patients with active inflammation, and if the diameter of a fistulous tract exceeded 3 mm. Afterwards, the patients were randomly assigned to either the PRP group or MAF group, consisting of 49 patients, and 47 patients, respectively. RESULTS There was no significant statistical difference (p = 0.152) between both investigated groups of patients regarding closure of fistulas since it was achieved in 35 (71.43%) patients from group I, compared to 27 (57.45%) patients from group II. The diameter of fistulous tracts below 4 mm exerted a significant impact (p < 0.001) on the healing process after PRP application because fistulas with the narrow tracts were closed in 34 (87.18%) patients, whereas a wider fistula was healed in 1 (10%) patient. CONCLUSION The local application of PRP in high, unbranched, and with narrow tracts trans-sphincteric anal fistulas of crypto-glandular origin, following loose-seton drainage is an effective, simple, and a safe method of therapy with a low rate of morbidity.
2.
Assessment of recurrent anal fistulas treatment with platelet-rich plasma
Cwaliński J, Hermann J, Paszkowski J, Banasiewicz T
Arquivos de gastroenterologia. 2021
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of recurrent anal fistulas can lead to numerous complications, including fecal incontinence. Therefore, sphincter preserving techniques are gaining more popularity. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the patients with recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas. METHODS A cohort of 18 patients with anal fistulas was enrolled into a preliminary and prospective trial. They were divided into two groups consisting of eight and ten patients respectively. PRP was injected locally in all patients, however in the group II it was applied after 7 days drainage of fistulas with polyurethane foam or negative pressure wound therapy. On average, three doses of PRP were administered, but with the opportunity to double the number of applications if it was clinically justified. The patients were evaluated in an out-patient department after fortnight and then in 1, 6, and 12 months following the last PRP application. RESULTS Anal fistulas were closed in 4 (50%) patients from the group I and in 7 (70%) patients form the group II. Although, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant, PRP therapy should be preceded with fistulous tract drainage in all patients. Summarizing, that successful result was achieved in 11 (60%) patients from the entire group of 18 participants. CONCLUSION The rate of recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas closure reaching 60%, after topical treatment with PRP, exceeds the results of other sphincter-saving methods of treatment. Therefore, it might become a novel method of anal fistulas therapy.