Fistula in ano.

An eight year retrospective review of 133 patients with fistula in ano found the majority to be of cryptoglandular causation. Many patients had symptoms for longer than one year. Operation was performed safely under spinal anesthesia, locating the internal opening in 117 patients, performing a fistulectomy in 80 patients and a fistulotomy in the remainder. Associated procedures, such as a hemorrhoidectomy, could be performed safely. Early recurrence of a fistula, spinal headache, bleeding and temporary incontinence were the complications present in 14 patients. All patients with an early recurrence had undergone a fistulotomy.