Which surgery heals anal fistula best? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07236047
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares three surgical techniques for treating a common type of anal fistula (a tunnel between the anal canal and skin). The trial will enroll 90 adults aged 18-65 who have not had fistula surgery before. Researchers will measure healing, recurrence, and impact on bowel control over 12 months to determine which approach works best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgical procedure (fistulotomy, LIFT with laser, or open LIFT with laser)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could identify the most effective surgical technique for treating trans-sphincteric perianal fistula, leading to higher healing rates and fewer recurrences.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Surgery carries risks like infection, bleeding, or changes in bowel control.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 90 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-65 * Confirmed diagnosis of transsphincteric cryptoglandular perianal fistula * Primary (first-time) surgery * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel disease * Suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric, or horseshoe fistulas * Previous fistula surgery * Active perianal abscess * Current immunosuppression * Pregnant or breastfeeding women
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Laser and the Body's own healing factors tested against stubborn anal fistulas
- Can a laser seal fistulas without major surgery?
- Can a drug plus surgery heal Crohn's fistulas for good?
- Can stem cell vesicles heal Crohn's fistulas?
- Laser vs. scalpel: which heals anal fistula faster?
- Surgical glue may boost healing for tough anal fistulas