Is it time to adopt a compulsory sphincter-saving strategy in the treatment algorithm of fistula in ano?

摘要

Primary fistula in ano, known for more than 25,000 years, is one of the oldest medical conditions recognized by humankind. History records early treatment attempts by Hippocrates as early as 400 B.C. There have been diverse treatment options, with even more novel techniques reported over the past 2 decades. Despite this, the disease is poorly understood, and all of the treatment options are plagued with a variable degree of recurrence.