New surgical twist may speed healing of anal fistulas
NCT ID NCT07603635
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two surgical methods for treating a type of anal fistula called transsphincteric anal fistula. Forty adults were randomly assigned to receive either the standard LIFT procedure or a modified version that approaches the fistula from the side. Researchers measured how quickly the wound healed, pain levels, and whether the fistula came back during 12 weeks of follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If the modified approach works better, it could mean faster healing and less pain for people with anal fistulas.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The modified technique might not improve outcomes or could have unexpected risks.
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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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Aug 2024
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
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 75 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 75 years * Diagnosis of transsphincteric anal fistula confirmed by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging * Presence of clinical findings consistent with perianal fistula, such as perianal discharge, palpable swelling, or history of perianal abscess drainage * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent * Eligibility for surgical treatment with either standard LIFT or modified LIFT via a lateral approach Exclusion Criteria: * Previous definitive surgery for perianal fistula other than abscess drainage * Perianal Crohn disease * Horseshoe fistula * Colorectal cancer * Malnutrition * Recurrent anal fistula * Previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy * Chronic medication use that could impair wound healing, such as steroids or colchicine * Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital
Kayseri, Kayseri, 38300, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.