EVALUATION OF LIGATION OF THE INTERSPHINCTERIC FISTULAS TRACT (LIFT) TECHNIQUE IN TRANSSPHINCTERIC PERIANAL FISTULA

Abstract Background: Since 2007, ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) has been performed successfully and enthusiastically to treat anal fistulas. However, whether a surgical treatment is better for trans-sphincteric fistula is still debated. The goal of this study is to evaluate the LIFT technique in treating trans-sphincteric perianal fistula. Methods: Our research consisted of 40 cases with trans-sphincteric perianal fistula who presented to our tertiary care center at Al-Azhar University hospital in Damietta, Egypt, between December 2019 and December 2021. Results: The study was done on 40 patients, with a 24-week median follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, 29 patients (72.5 %) had healed completely and did not require any further surgical treatment. There were eight problems (27.5 percent). There were two failures and six recurrences between 3 and 6 months after the surgery. There was no de novo incontinence recorded. The LIFT technique was more suitable in patients who did not have prior fistulas and those with shorter tracts, P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively.