Results of the Gore Bio-A fistula plug implantation in the treatment of anal fistula: a multicentre study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the efficiency of the Gore Bio-A synthetic plug in the treatment of anal fistulas. Methods: A synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug was implanted in 60 patients. All fistulas were transsphincteric and cryptoglandular in origin. Results: The healing rate after 1 year of follow-up was 52 % (31 out of 60 patients). No patient was lost to follow-up. The treatment had no effect on the incontinence score. The plug dislodgement rate was 10 % (6 out of 60 patients). Thirty-four per cent of the patients (16 out of 47) required reoperation. The average operating time was 32 ± 10.2 min, and the average length of hospital stay was 3.3 ± 1.8 days. Conclusions: Synthetic plugs may be an alternative to bioprosthetic fistula plugs in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulas. This method might have better success rates than treatment with bioprosthetic fistula plugs.