[Stapled closure of the internal fistula orifice in anal fistula for high complex anal fistula].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of stapled closure of the internal fistula orifice in anal fistula (SCIA) combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space in the treatment of high complex anal fistula. Methods: Methods Surgical procedure: Under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, a submucosal purse-string suture was placed above the dentate line, and the stapler was inserted to close the internal opening. The fistulous tract was dissected from the external opening toward the cranial side and excised along its path to the level of the levator ani muscle, followed by placement of catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space. Results: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a 40-year-old male patient with a high-position complex anal fistula, who underwent SCIA combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in December 2024. The surgery was successful with minimal intraoperative bleeding, a complete anastomosis, and thorough fistula tract dissection. There was no sphincter injury occurred, and the catheter drainage was unobstructed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. Postoperative follow-up visits were conducted at 2 months and 6 months after surgery. The patient had no symptoms such as pain, purulent discharge, or pruritus. MRI scans of the anal canal (both plain and contrast-enhanced) at 2 months and 6 months showed no recurrence of the fistula. The Wexner fecal incontinence score was 0, indicating normal bowel control, and the Garg score was less than 8, suggesting fistula healing and low probability of recurrence. Conclusion: SCIA combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of high complex anal fistula.