First experience with highly vascularized lateral flap in patients with trans- and extrasphincter rectal fistula

In NMRC coloproctology a surgical method of treatment of the fistula of the rectum with the help of highly vascularized lateral flap (VLF) was developed. Currently 28 patients with trans and extrasphincter fistulas are included, both without and with the presence of purullent-inflammatory process in the surrounding tissue. The observation period was 1–8 months (Me = 4 [1.75; 5.5]). The disease relapsed in 6 (21.4 %) cases. Conclusion: the preliminary results of VLF use are encouraging, the low pain intensity and the intactness of the anal sphincter indicate a low traumatic and sphinctersaving nature of the operation. In addition, the study showed the possibility of using VLF even in the presence of purulent accumulations, which were previously contraindications to the use of plastic techniques as a one-stage treatment.