Clinical Significance of 2 Deep Posterior Perianal Spaces to Complex Cryptoglandular Fistulas. Issue 8 (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Heng; Zhou, Zhi-yang; Hu, Bang; Liu, De-chao; Peng, Hui; Xie, Shang-kui; Su, Dan; Ren, Dong-lin
• Is Part Of: Diseases of the colon & rectum. Volume 59:Issue 8(2016:Aug.)
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Complex perianal fistula -- Deep postanal space -- Deep posterior intersphincteric space -- Pelvic MRI imaging; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Colonic Diseases -- Periodicals; Colorectal Surgery -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000000628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-3706

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Confusion exists regarding the clinical significance of the deep posterior intersphincteric space and deep postanal space to complex perianal fistulas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical significance of the 2 deep posterior perianal spaces and to describe in detail the courses of posterior complex cryptoglandular fistula extensions. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. MRI-based characteristics of selected perianal fistulas were independently evaluated by examiners who focused on lesions in these 2 spaces and were blinded to each other's findings. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in the colorectal surgery and radiology departments of a large university teaching hospital in China. PATIENTS: Included in the study were patients who underwent pelvic MRI for posterior perianal fistula between October 2012 and December 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The occurrence rates of these 2 deep perianal space lesions in posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were determined. RESULTS: A total of 513 primary posterior cryptoglandular fistulas were identified in 508 patients, including 167 deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions (32.6%) and 23 deep postanal space lesions (4.5%). Of those, 173 fistulas (33.7%) were evaluated as complex. The former and latter spaces were involved in 79.2% (137/173) and 13.3% (23/173) of posterior complex fistulas. Compared with deep postanal space lesions, deep posterior intersphincteric space lesions were more common in cases with high transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas (80.1% vs 15.8%), synchronous multiple transsphincteric fistulas (82.4% vs 20.6%), horseshoe-like fistulas (85.5% vs 14.5%), and supralevator fistulas (93.5% vs 16.1%). Similar incidences were also seen in cases with ischioanal-involved horseshoe-like fistulas (75.0% vs 25.0%). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: The deep posterior intersphincteric space is more likely than the deep postanal space to be involved in complex cryptoglandular fistulas and is likely to play a more important role in the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas.