ABSTRACT

Aim:

We aimed to determine the recurrence rate in the treatment of anal fistula and compare its rate between treatment procedures fistulotomy and fistulectomy.

Methods:

The cases were reviewed retrospectively. Forty four cases included the study. The cases were collected for two years. All the patients were followed up for six to 30 months after operation. The operation style was determined by the surgeon’s preference. Recurrence of the disease, incontinance and complaints of the patients were evatuated in every three months.

Results:

Six of 44 cases had recurrence (%14). Eighteen cases were applied fistulotomy and 26 cases were applied fistulectomy. Five of 26 cases recurred in fistulectomy group (%19), and one of 18 cases recurred in fistulotomy group (%6). The recurrence rate between the groups was significantly different (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Fistula tract excision was significantly associated with high recurrence rate. For this reason, although fistulotomy recurrence rate is low, total recurrence rate is high in our clinic.