Feasibility, Safety and Outcomes of the LIFT Procedure in Fistula-in-Ano: A Prospective Clinical Evaluation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56412/gmcp.2026.9.01.218Keywords:
Fistula in ano, LIFT technique, healing time, incontinenceAbstract
Background: Fistula in ano is considered the most frequent proctological disease that may be associated with complicated pathological processes. Fistula in ano is still a difficult problem for surgeons because of its recurrent course and possible adverse events, such as extended healing period, increased area of the surgical wound impacting the quality of life and anal incontinence after traditional surgery methods including fistulotomy and fistulectomy. The Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) is a new sphincter-preserving treatment with the objective of reducing the risks of surgery.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on 30 patients diagnosed with an anorectal fistula who underwent surgery at a tertiary medical center from 2023 to 2025. The main parameters under observation included the postoperative pain level, wound healing duration, complications, and relapse rate.
Results: In a sample of 30 patients, the mean age was 37.97±14.07 years; 90% of subjects were male. The transsphincteric fistulas constituted 60% of cases. Secondary extensions appeared in 56.7% of participants. Surgery was carried out for less than half an hour. The wound healed completely for 90% of subjects in three weeks and for 100% in four weeks. No case of anal incontinence was found. Relapse happened in 10% of subjects after three months.
Conclusion: LIFT showed good feasibility, fast wound healing, low levels of pain, and great potential to preserve continence. Despite the risk of relapse, LIFT appears to be a good sphincter-saving method of fistula in ano treatment.
Downloads
References
1. Vinay G, Balasubrahmanya KS. Comparative study on efficacy of fistulotomy and lift procedure in management of fistula-in-ano. Int Surg J 2017; (1)4:3406-2.
2. Abcarian H, editor. Anal fistula: principles and management. 1st ed. New York: Springer; 2014.
3. Salunke BL, Lamture YR. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) versus conventional fistulectomy in management of low fistula in ano: a comparative study from a tertiary hospital. Eur J Mol Clin Med 2022;9(2):2169-74.
4. Vander Mijnsbrugge GJH, Felt-Bersma RJF, Ho DKF, Molenaar CBH. Perianal fistulas and the lift procedure: results, predictive factors for success, and long-term results with subsequent treatment. Tech Coloproctol. 2019;23(7):639–47.
5. Hansen MS, Kjær ML, Andersen J. Efficacy of Plug Treatment for Complex Anorectal Fistulae: Long-term Danish Results. Ann Coloproctol. 2019;35(3):123–8.
6. Xu Y, Tang W. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract is suitable for recurrent anal fistulas from follow-up of 16 months. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:58798.
7. Garg P. Comparison between recent sphincter sparing procedures for complex anal fistulas—ligation of intersphincteric tract vs transanal opening of intersphincteric space. World J Gastrointest Surg 2022;14(5):374–82.
8. Sirikurnpiboon S, Awapittaya B, Jivapaisarnpong P. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract and its modification: Results from treatment of complex fistula. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;5(4):123-8.
9. Rojanasakul A, Pattanaarun J, Sahakitrungruang C, Tantiphlachiva K. Total anal sphincter saving technique for fistula-in-ano; the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90(1):581–6.
10. Shanwani A, Nor AM, Amri N. Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT): a sphincter saving technique for fistula-in-ano. Dis Colon Rectum 2010;53(1):39–42.
11. Kang WH, Yang HK, Chang HJ, Ko YT, Yoo BE, Lim CH, et al. High ligation of the anal fistula tract by lateral approach: a prospective cohort study on a modification of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique. Int J Surg 2018;60(8):9–14.
12. Celayir MF, Bozkurt E, Aygun N, Mihmanli M. Complex anal fistula: long-term results of modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract = LIFT. Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul 2020;54(3):297–301.
13. Alapach S, Khaimook A. Comparison between Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) Technique and Conventional Fistulotomy in the Treatment of Fistula-in-Ano at Hat Yai Regional Hospital. Thai J Surg. 2018;35(1):20–3.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Walia DS, Singla A, Mishra A, Singh S, Singh M, Uppal V
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
