Efficacy of synthetic glue treatment of high crypoglandular fistula-in-ano

Summary Objectives In France, seton drainage followed by fistulotomy is currently the standard treatment for high cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano. Biological or synthetic glues, such as Glubran ®  2, have been recently proposed for sealing the fistula tract. The purpose of this study is to determine the healing rate with glubran 2 and to assess the functional outcome after cure of fistula-in-ano. Patients and methods From July 2006 to July 2008, 34 patients (20 males; median age 48.5 years, range 22–55 years) with high cryptoglandular anal fistulas were treated with glubran 2. Patients were seen for physical examination at 1, 3 and 6 months, then interviewed by telephone at 1 and 2 years, and in September 2009. The Fecal incontinence severity index (FISI) score was used to assess continence. Results The healing rate at 1 month was 67.6% (23 patients); the fistula failed to heal in 11 patients. All 23 patients with a healed fistula remained recurrence-free, with no continence disorders noted, during the median 34-month follow-up period (range 21–43 months). One patient was lost to follow-up after 6 months. Conclusion Glubran 2 provides an effective treatment for high fistula-in-ano, with no change in continence. In future, a randomized comparison of this agent with fibrin glues should be useful.