Observing Quality of Life and Function After Surgery for Perianal Fistulas in Adults A 12-Month Study Comparing Different Surgical Methods

What this Trial Is About

Perianal fistulas are a chronic condition that causes pain, discharge, infection, and difficulty controlling bowel movements, significantly impacting quality of life. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes, as well as patient-reported quality of life, following surgical treatment of perianal fistulas. The research focuses on comparing different surgical techniques to better understand their effects on healing and continence over a 12-month period. Participants undergoing elective surgery for either simple or complex perianal fistulas will be enrolled and followed for 12 months. The surgical approaches include sphincter-dividing techniques like fistulotomy or fistulectomy, and sphincter-preserving techniques such as ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract LIFT, mucosal advancement flap, laser treatment, fistula plugs, or seton placement. No experimental procedures are used instead, real-world surgical methods are recorded and compared. During the study, participants will provide information through clinical examinations and questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Researchers will assess fistula healing, recurrence, complications, continence status, symptom burden, quality of life, and patient satisfaction using validated tools. These comprehensive assessments aim to provide detailed insights into the effectiveness of different surgical treatments and their impact on patients daily lives.

Recurrence and Anal Fistula Patient Reported Outcomes Trial