Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Between Ligation Of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract And Fistulotom… (NCT07579715) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Between Ligation Of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract And Fistulotomy With Seton In Perianal Fistula
Pakistan100 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language summary
This study aims to compare two commonly used surgical techniques for the treatment of perianal fistula: Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) and fistulotomy with seton. Perianal fistula is a condition that can cause pain, discharge, and significant discomfort, and its treatment remains challenging due to the risk of recurrence and potential loss of bowel control after surgery.
The LIFT procedure is a sphincter-preserving technique designed to treat the fistula without damaging the muscles responsible for continence. In contrast, fistulotomy with seton involves placing a thread (seton) in the fistula tract followed by gradual or staged division of the tract, which may carry a higher risk of affecting continence.
In this study, 100 adult patients diagnosed with perianal fistula will be included and divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure they undergo: LIFT or fistulotomy with seton. The outcomes of both procedures will be compared in terms of wound healing time, recurrence of the fistula, postoperative pain, and preservation of bowel continence.
The results of this study will help determine which surgical technique provides better recovery, fewer complications, and improved quality of life for patients.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients aged 18-65 years, both males and females
* Diagnosed with primary cryptoglandular perianal fistula
* Trans-sphincteric or inter-sphincteric fistula confirmed clinically ± imaging/proctoscopy
* Fit for surgery under anesthesia
* Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Recurrent perianal fistula (previous surgical intervention)
* Fistula secondary to Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, or malignancy Immunocompromised patients
* Pre-existing fecal incontinence (documented)
* Severe comorbidities making surgery unsafe (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe hepatic/renal failure)
* Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.