Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

Randomised Controlled Trial comparing Laser assisted closure of transsphincteric fistula to the rectal advancement flap.


Clinical Trial Description

A prevalent and complex fistula type is the high transsphincteric (TS) fistula. It typically runs through the upper two-thirds of the external anal sphincter (EAS) and is, due to the high risk of fecal incontinence, not suitable for fistulotomy and sphincter sparing treatment is required. To be included in this trial the participants should have a single, continuous TS fistula of cryptoglandular origin, that is treated by loose seton drainage for at least 2 months and is mapped by MRI. Participants with IBD, hidradenitis suppurativa or a malignant fistula will be excluded. Intervention Fistula Laser Closing (FiLaCTM) (Biolitec, Germany) is an endofistular technique, using a radial-emitting laser fiber that emits laser light with a maximum penetration depth of 2 - 3 mm. It destroys both the crypt gland and the additional epithelial layer of the fistula without damaging the sphincter. The fiber is inserted until the internal opening, activated and pulled backwards slowly, allowing the laser to have its effect. The external opening is excised and the internal opening is closed with a single absorbable suture. Rectal advancement flap is currently the gold standard for sphincter sparing treatment of high transsphincteric fistulae. The fistula is cored out and an advancement flap is made of mucosa and submucosa. The opening of the fistula in the flap is excised, the residual internal opening is closed with absorbable suture and the flap is sutured below the fistula to the anoderm. The advancement flap is a difficult technique that requires a relatively large transanal dissection that results in postoperative pain and may lead to disturbances in continence. Preliminary results with the Filac technique show fistula healing rates comparable to the advancement flap. Due to its simplicity, speed and minimal invasiveness the investigators expect a benefit for the participants in terms of postoperative pain, operating time and quality of life. ;


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT05390151
Study type Interventional
Source University Hospital, Antwerp
Contact Sander Van Hoof, M.D.
Phone +3238212434
Email sander.vanhoof@uza.be
Status Recruiting
Phase N/A
Start date March 1, 2022
Completion date March 1, 2026

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Terminated NCT02423330 - A Prospective Evaluation of the Strattice-LIFT to Treat Anal Fistula Early Phase 1
Terminated NCT03381365 - Efficacy of an Anorectal Fistula Plug With Sealing of the Internal Opening as a Treatment for Perianal Fistula N/A
Suspended NCT04660903 - Treatment of Fistula in Ano With Autologous Fatty Tissue Cells Transplantation N/A
Recruiting NCT04187651 - PRP Use in Treatment of Fistula Ano N/A
Completed NCT04069728 - The Impact of 3D Anal Fistula Models on Patient Understanding and Decision Making N/A
Completed NCT06380036 - Two Approaches to Lower the Chances of Recurrence of Anal Fistula After Surgery N/A
Recruiting NCT05039411 - Safety of Allogeneic Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) to Treat Perianal Fistulas Patients With Crohn's Disease Phase 1
Completed NCT01880398 - Management of Fistula in Ano by Kshar Sutra, Para Surgical Procedure. N/A
Completed NCT03449069 - Pediatric MSC-AFP Sub-study for Crohn's Fistula Phase 1
Completed NCT04588701 - Long Term Outcomes After Surgery for Anal Fistula
Recruiting NCT05666609 - Fistula-in-ano in Infants and Children N/A
Completed NCT06212739 - Post-op Pain After Fistula Laser Closure or Ligation of the Intersphincteric Tract for Anal Fistula N/A
Completed NCT01954225 - Role of Udumbara Sutra in the Management of Fistula in Ano a Rare Case Study N/A
Completed NCT05223309 - High Type Fistula in Ano, Use Staged Seton, Loose Thick Sutures
Terminated NCT02686580 - Feasibility Study to Assess the Early Use of Porcine Cross-linked Collagen Paste in Cryptoglandular Anorectal Fistulas Phase 3
Completed NCT05660876 - Fistulotomy Versus Fistulotomy With Marsupialization N/A
Recruiting NCT04161469 - Laser Closure of Anal Fistula (FiLaC) N/A
Completed NCT04215718 - Fistulotomy With Marsupialization Versus Fistulectomy With Wound Sutures in Simple Anal Fistula N/A