MRI for assessment of anal fistula

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best imaging modality for preoperative assessment of patients with anal fistula. MRI helps to accurately demonstrate disease extension and predict prognosis. This in turn helps make therapy decisions and monitor therapy. The pertinent anatomy, fistula classification and MRI findings will be discussed

Identification of epithelialization in high transsphincteric fistulas

textabstractBackground At present, transanal advancement flap repair (TAFR) is the treatment of choice for transsphincteric fistulas passing through the upper and middle third of the external anal sphincter. It has been suggested that epithelialization of the fistula tract contributes to the failure of the treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of epithelialization of the fistula tract and to study its effect on the outcome of TAFR and TAFR combined with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT). Methods Forty-four patients with a high transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin underwent TAFR. Nine of these patients underwent a combined procedure of TAFR with LIFT. In all patients the fistula tract was excised from the external opening up to the outer border of the external anal sphincter. In patients undergoing TAFR combined with LIFT an additional central part of the intersphincteric fistula tract was excised. A total of 53 specimens were submitted. Histopathological examination of the specimens was carried out by a pathologist, blinded for clinical data. Results Epithelialization of the distal and intersphincteric fistula tract was observed in only 25 and 22% of fistulas, respectively. There was no difference in outcome between fistulas with or without epithelialization. Conclusions Epithelialization of high transsphincteric fistulas is rare and does not affect the outcome of TAFR and TAFR combined with LIFT

Navigating the mesentery: Part III. Unusual anatomy of ileocolic vessels

Aim The ileocolic vessels are important landmarks in advanced surgery of the midgut. The aim of the present study is to present variations of ileocolic vessels relevant to complete mesocolic excision with D3 lymphadenectomy of the right colon, within their detailed and precise morphometric framework and deriving from a large and consistent series of operated patients. Methods An ongoing prospective trial ‘Safe Radical D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer through Preoperative Biphasic Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography' was reviewed. The imaging datasets underwent manual segmentation and 3D reconstruction, and the results were validated at surgery. A total of 356 patients were included in the study. Results A cross-section of the series revealed five cases (1.4%) with variation of ileocolic vessels relevant to complete mesocolic excision or D3 extended mesenterectomy. There were two cases with absence of a true classical ileocolic artery, two cases with absence of a true classical ileocolic vein, and one case of precocious bifurcation of the ileocolic artery, left to the superior mesenteric vein. The entire D3 area in all the cases was thoroughly documented and analysed from the morphometric point of view (calibres, lengths of vessels, crossing patterns). Conclusion The preoperative visualization of a patient's individual 3D anatomy is a powerful tool in identifying the variations whose negligence could have dire consequences in complete mesocolic excision of the right colon