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12 July 2023: Clinical Research  

Internal Orifice Alloy Closure: A New Procedure for Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease

Xiaoli Fang1CDE, Heng Deng2ABCG*, Ming Li1AG

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940873

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940873

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Abstract

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BACKGROUND: The high recurrence rate of perianal fistula Crohn’s disease (PFCD) increases the need to protect the anal sphincter during each surgical treatment of fistulas. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of internal orifice alloy closure in patients with PFCD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with PFCD were enrolled in the study between July 6, 2021, and April 27, 2023. All patients underwent preoperative colonoscopy and anal magnetic resonance examination for diagnosis and evaluation. Internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) was performed only when Crohn’s disease was in remission. The external sphincter had not been severed. Perianal magnetic resonance imaging examination was used for postoperative evaluation after 6 months. Fistula cure rate, length of stay, perianal pain, and Wexner incontinence score were retrospectively compared between 15 patients treated with IOAC and 40 patients treated with other surgical methods.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients (male/female: 9/6, age: 23.6±14.3 years) with PFCD were included (follow-up: 24 months). In total, 20.0% (3) had multiple tracts, and 13.3% (2) had a high anal fistula. Among them, 10 patients received biologics for induction for mucosal healing before surgery. The fistula healed completely in 80.0% (12/15) and did not heal in 20.0% (3/15). Three patients who did not heal underwent fistulotomy and eventually recovered. IOAC is not superior in terms of fistula healing rates, length of stay, and anal pain, but its Wexner incontinence scores are significantly lower than with other surgical methods.

CONCLUSIONS: IOAC is a novel sphincter-saving surgery that is effective and safe for the treatment of PFCD.

Keywords: Colorectal Surgery, Inflammatory Bowel Disease 7, Rectal Fistula, Humans, Female, Male, Child, Adolescent, young adult, Adult, Crohn Disease, Retrospective Studies, Alloys, Pelvic Pain

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease with unclear etiology and incidence [1,2]. Transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract alternates between chronic remission and recurrence [3]. These characteristics leave patients with chronic immunosuppression and they need repeated surgery to treat the symptoms of the disease [4, 5], but surgery cannot cure the disease [6]. More than a quarter of patients with CD develop perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) [7], which has been treated with biologics and surgical procedures [8]. These patients experience an endless cycle of perianal abscess, pain, persistent drainage [9], recurrent perianal sepsis [10], and anal stricture [11], which cause ongoing medical costs, negative stress on the family, and a significant burden to the healthcare system [12]. As a result, these conditions leave patients with lost jobs and increased risk of opportunistic infection from biologics. More than 90% of patients with PFCD undergo numerous surgical interventions that put them at risk for incontinence after a sphincter injury [13]. Although fistula healing can be achieved with sphincteroprotective procedures such as displacement flap surgery, these procedures require extensive experience or higher surgical conditions [14].

This frustrating situation has sparked intense interest in research into better treatment options that have the potential to improve outcomes without the risk of incontinence. Internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) is a protective sphincter surgery used by our team for the treatment of anal fistulas and has been shown to have a positive effect [15]. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of IOAC on PFCD.

Material and Methods

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI):

All MRIs scans were performed at the Imaging Department of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hospital, using a Philips Ingenia 1.5-T scanner (Philips Medical Systems Nederland B.V.). T2 Kiefer sequences were selected to show the pathological structures [19]. For the T2 Kiefer sequences in the oblique coronal and the oblique transverse plane, the time to echo (TE) was 80 milliseconds and the slice thickness was 5 mm.

PROCEDURE:

All patients underwent routine blood, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), computed tomography enterography (CTE), colon endoscopy, and intestinal mucosal biopsy examinations. The above examinations revealed anemia, accelerated sedimentation, thickened colonic mucosa, pavers-like nodules, longitudinal ulcers, and acute and chronic mucosal inflammation. Based on perianal MRI, the fistula duct was mapped in detail after a discussion between the radiologist and the surgeon (Figure 2).

After combined subarachnoid and epidural anesthesia was administered, the patient was placed in the left decubitus position. The antibiotics cefoxitin 2 g and metronidazole 500 mg were given intravenously 3 h before surgery. We performed the following steps: (1) Hydrogen peroxide was injected into the fistula from the external orifice, and the internal orifice of the fistula bubbled to confirm the internal orifice. (2) A metal brush was used to clean the epithelium lining the fistula. (3) The mucosa of 1 cm around the internal orifice was removed. (4) Muscle layers were lifted in preparation for closing the internal orifice by exposing and cross-stitching it. (5) The muscular layer was closed through release of the anal fistula clip (Figure 3), at which point the internal orifice was closed. (6) The external opening was enlarged for drainage (Figure 4) [15].

Perianal pain on day 1, 2, and 3 after surgery was evaluated by numerical scoring [20]. Length of stay (days) was recorded from the first day of hospitalization to discharge. Microscopic inflammation was assessed by histological scores of Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. The clips fell off on its own or was removed within 4–6 weeks after surgery. Repeat perianal MRI was used to assess anal fistula healing, and fistula healing rates were also calculated at 6 months after surgery (Figure 2). No clinical signs plus MRI support was considered complete healing. Wexner incontinence scoring was used for incontinence scoring after fistula healing, which contains incontinence of gas, liquid, and solid; the need for padding and antidiarrhea medications; and the ability to defer defecation for 15 min. Zero denotes no incontinence, and 24 denotes total incontinence. Quality of life of patients following surgery was scored using the Crohn’s Anal Fistula Quality of Life Scale (CAF-QoL), which is an effective patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Quality of life was scored on a scale of 0 to 108, with higher scores indicating lower the quality of life [21].

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Clinical data were collected from 2 treatment groups: 15 patients with PFCD receiving IOAC and 40 patients with PFCD receiving other surgical treatments. The t test was used to assess pain and incontinence scores, length of stay, and healing rate. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Fifteen patients with PFCD underwent surgery. The median follow-up was 11 months (range: 9–24 months). The mean age was 23.6±14.3 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 9/6. In total, 20.0% (3) had multiple tracts and 13.3% (2) had high anal fistula. Among them, 15 patients received biologics for induction for mucosal healing before surgery, 12 patients received infliximab, and 3 patients were switched to Ulinumab or Vedrizol due to non-response to infliximab.

Three patients who did not heal underwent fistulotomy and eventually recovered. The fistula healed completely in 80.0% (12/15) and did not heal in 20.0% (3/15). T2-weighted images demonstrated that the high-signal shadow of fistula and effusion disappeared at 6 months after the operation when the anorectal surgeon considered the fistula to be healed (Figure 2).

A retrospective comparison was conducted, and 40 patients with PFCD before IOAC was introduced in the hospital were included as a control group. Fistula healing rates, length of hospital stay, perianal pain, Wexner incontinence scores, and quality of life of patients following surgery were compared between the 2 groups (Table 1, Figure 5).

Discussion

One of the most challenging phenotypes of Crohn’s disease is perianal fistula [22]. Up to 50% of patients develop symptoms elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, and 5% develop symptoms for the first time [23]. It is associated with severe symptoms such as pain, fecal incontinence, and significantly reduced quality of life [14]. Perianal fistula combined with Crohn’s disease predicts a more severe course of disease [24]. These patients require close monitoring to identify patients at risk of worsening disease, unsatisfactory levels of biologics, and signs of tumor development. Significant progress has been made in the management of PFCD over the past 20 years [25]. Recently, new biologics, cell-based therapies, and new surgical techniques have been introduced in the hope of improving outcomes. However, in refractory cases, many patients face incontinence as a result of repeated surgery and the decision to have an ostomy [26]. In this study, we describe recent advances in modern surgical treatment for PFCD that may impact clinical practice.

According to our analysis of research results, IOAC does not significantly change anal pain and fistula healing rate compared with traditional surgery. In China, the traditional loose seton for drainage is often used in the treatment of PFCD, which can improve perianal comfort and quality of life [27]. However, some patients do not want to be chronically stimulated by foreign bodies around the anus and do not want to accept the loose seton. The fistula healing rate of IOAC treatment for PFCD was comparable to that of conventional surgery, which demonstrated its effectiveness. There was no statistically significant difference in PDAI between the 2 groups, which was related to the medical treatment of the patients during their hospitalization and also suggests that the new surgical approach reduced the local inflammatory response as much as traditional surgery. The reason why IOAC significantly reduces the length of hospital stay may be that the surgical procedure is easy to perform and is minimally invasive. IOAC only involves internal and external orifice and fistulas without additional tissue damage.

Although the medical or surgical treatment of PFCDS is controversial, the actual surgical treatment available has a relatively limited success rate. Gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons use similar methods for the management of PFCD. The results of surgery (mesenchymal stem cells, LIFT, rectal mucosal propulsion flap technique) plus biologics in the safety and efficacy of PFCD treatment are encouraging. Direct injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) does not cause injury to the internal sphincter; therefore, there is no risk of fecal incontinence, but the most common adverse events are perianal pain or abscess formation at the injection site and it is expensive. LIFT, a rectal mucosal propulsion flap technique, requires more surgical experience. Although there is no visible improvement in efficiency, IOAC has obvious advantages such as sphincter retention, simple operation, and low cost. The reason why the postoperative Wexner incontinence scores in IOAC group were not 0 may that some patients had received other surgical methods before this treatment.

However, a retrospective historical control group represents a limitation, and the stability of the therapeutic effect of IOAC on PFCD still needs a large sample size to be verified.

Conclusions

IOAC has a high potential value in the treatment of PFCD. This procedure is a sphincter-preserving operation, which is one of the factors guaranteeing postoperative quality of life of patients.

Figures

The general process of the patient from presentation to surgery and postoperative testing. Because patients have different conditions before surgery and need to meet the standards for endoscopic mucosal healing, the time of use of biological agents and the waiting time before surgery are different.Figure 1. The general process of the patient from presentation to surgery and postoperative testing. Because patients have different conditions before surgery and need to meet the standards for endoscopic mucosal healing, the time of use of biological agents and the waiting time before surgery are different. (A–D) MRI images of a perianal fistula in a young male patient with PFCD before and 6 months after IOAC. Note that the inflammatory component (T2 hyperintensity and collections) markedly improved and the fistula track disappeared. The oblique coronal plane and oblique transverse plane are parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anal canal, respectively. The orange arrows indicate changes in the site of the lesion.Figure 2. (A–D) MRI images of a perianal fistula in a young male patient with PFCD before and 6 months after IOAC. Note that the inflammatory component (T2 hyperintensity and collections) markedly improved and the fistula track disappeared. The oblique coronal plane and oblique transverse plane are parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anal canal, respectively. The orange arrows indicate changes in the site of the lesion. Schematic diagram of the anal fistula clip. The anal fistula clip has a three-lobe design, and the alloy is soft at 0°C. At 36°C, the alloy has a strong centripetal force and can clamp the central tissue.Figure 3. Schematic diagram of the anal fistula clip. The anal fistula clip has a three-lobe design, and the alloy is soft at 0°C. At 36°C, the alloy has a strong centripetal force and can clamp the central tissue. IOAC surgery was performed on a young male PFCD patient with repeated perianal surgery. (A) Confirmation of the internal orifice of the fistula. (B) Clean the epithelium lining the fistula. (C) The mucosa 1 cm around the internal orifice was removed. (D) The muscular layer was closed by the anal fistula clip (blue arrowheads).Figure 4. IOAC surgery was performed on a young male PFCD patient with repeated perianal surgery. (A) Confirmation of the internal orifice of the fistula. (B) Clean the epithelium lining the fistula. (C) The mucosa 1 cm around the internal orifice was removed. (D) The muscular layer was closed by the anal fistula clip (blue arrowheads). The comparison of quality of life of patients between the 2 groups. Questionnaire data from 15 patients in study groups showed scores of 8–67, while the control group had scores of 19–80 (possible range from 0 to 108). The scores were approximately normally distributed, and the average score of the study group and control group was 31.1 and 51.8, and the standard deviation was 18.3 and 14.8, respectively. *** P<0.001Figure 5. The comparison of quality of life of patients between the 2 groups. Questionnaire data from 15 patients in study groups showed scores of 8–67, while the control group had scores of 19–80 (possible range from 0 to 108). The scores were approximately normally distributed, and the average score of the study group and control group was 31.1 and 51.8, and the standard deviation was 18.3 and 14.8, respectively. *** P<0.001

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Figures

Figure 1. The general process of the patient from presentation to surgery and postoperative testing. Because patients have different conditions before surgery and need to meet the standards for endoscopic mucosal healing, the time of use of biological agents and the waiting time before surgery are different.Figure 2. (A–D) MRI images of a perianal fistula in a young male patient with PFCD before and 6 months after IOAC. Note that the inflammatory component (T2 hyperintensity and collections) markedly improved and the fistula track disappeared. The oblique coronal plane and oblique transverse plane are parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anal canal, respectively. The orange arrows indicate changes in the site of the lesion.Figure 3. Schematic diagram of the anal fistula clip. The anal fistula clip has a three-lobe design, and the alloy is soft at 0°C. At 36°C, the alloy has a strong centripetal force and can clamp the central tissue.Figure 4. IOAC surgery was performed on a young male PFCD patient with repeated perianal surgery. (A) Confirmation of the internal orifice of the fistula. (B) Clean the epithelium lining the fistula. (C) The mucosa 1 cm around the internal orifice was removed. (D) The muscular layer was closed by the anal fistula clip (blue arrowheads).Figure 5. The comparison of quality of life of patients between the 2 groups. Questionnaire data from 15 patients in study groups showed scores of 8–67, while the control group had scores of 19–80 (possible range from 0 to 108). The scores were approximately normally distributed, and the average score of the study group and control group was 31.1 and 51.8, and the standard deviation was 18.3 and 14.8, respectively. *** P<0.001

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