Laser Ablation Versus Conventional Fistulectomy for Uncomplicated Perianal Fistula
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Laser ablation, Conventional Open Fistulectomy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Perianal Fistula, Anal Fistula. Basic parameters: 18 years — 55 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Pakistan
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Comparison Between Conventional Surgery and Laser Ablation for Uncomplicated Perianal Fistula
Overview
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare conventional open fistulectomy and laser ablation in the treatment of uncomplicated perianal fistula. The study will evaluate postoperative recovery time and recurrence rates between the two procedures. A total of 72 patients with uncomplicated perianal fistula will be randomly assigned to either conventional open fistulectomy or laser ablation and followed for six months after surgery.
Detailed description
Perianal fistula is a common anorectal condition that usually requires surgical treatment. Conventional open fistulectomy has been widely used because of its established effectiveness; however, it may be associated with prolonged recovery. Laser-assisted anal fistula surgery is a newer minimally invasive technique that may offer faster postoperative recovery and less tissue damage.
Published studies have reported conflicting results regarding the superiority of either technique in terms of postoperative recovery and recurrence. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial is being conducted to compare conventional open fistulectomy and laser ablation in patients with uncomplicated perianal fistula.
The study will be conducted at the Department of Surgery, PNS Hafeez Hospital, Islamabad. Seventy-two patients aged 18 to 55 years with uncomplicated perianal fistula will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio by paper lottery method into two groups. Group C will undergo conventional open fistulectomy, and Group L will undergo laser-assisted anal fistula surgery.
The primary outcome measures are postoperative recovery time and recurrence of perianal fistula within six months after surgery. Patients will be followed at two weeks and six months postoperatively. The findings of this study may help determine the optimal surgical approach for uncomplicated perianal fistula.
Interventions
- Procedure Laser ablation
Laser-assisted anal fistula surgery for uncomplicated perianal fistula. - Procedure Conventional Open Fistulectomy
Conventional open fistulectomy for uncomplicated perianal fistula.
Primary outcome measures
- Post operative recovery time [Time frame: 2 weeks after surgery]
- Recurrance of perianal fistula [Time frame: 6 months after surgery]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 to 55 years.
- Male and female patients.
- Scheduled for surgical treatment of uncomplicated perianal fistula.
- Single fistula tract.
- Less than 30% involvement of the external anal sphincter.
- Penetration of tract limited to subcutaneous tissue.
Exclusion criteria
- Recurrent fistula.
- Complex fistula.
- History of gut malignancy.
- History of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Patients unfit for anesthesia.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Pakistan · 1 center
- PNS Hafeez Naval Hospital — Islamabad
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07681531 · 491/28 dated 10 July 2025