Anal fistulas can be notoriously difficult to treat due to the goals of fistula eradication and maintenance of continence. This program is the first one in a four-part series which will address these challenges and pose potential solutions. In this first episode, internationally renowned experts from around the world will share information on this theme. Specifically, the first program will begin by explaining why the anatomy of fistulas makes their treatment so potentially problematic. The esteemed faculty will then review the specific challenges of rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulas as well as the problem of fecal incontinence following fistula surgery. Several of the relatively newer treatments of collagen plugs, fibrin glue and the LIFT procedure are evaluated. Ultimately a surgical demonstration of the LIFT procedure will be presented.
Clinical Background
Welcome & Introduction – Dr. Steven D. Wexner (USA)
Etiology and classification of fistulas - Dr. Brooke Gurland (USA)
The problems of rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulas - Dr. Amandeep (Anu) Ghuman (Canada)
Incontinence following fistula surgery – Dr. Tracy Hull (USA)
Why plugs and glues fail - Dr. Maher A. Abbas (United Arab Emirates)
Is the LIFT a panacea? - Dr. Oded Zmora (Israel)
Video LIFT procedure - Prof. Art Hiranyakas (Thailand)
Panel discussion & Closing Remarks - All faculty moderated by Dr. Steven D. Wexner (USA)
Technique Description
*Supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.
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