Clinical review demonstrates sphincter-preserving minimally invasive approaches in complex anal fistula patients, indicating reduced complication profiles and preservation of continence.
Minimally invasive sphincter-preserving techniques are an emerging field in anal fistula care. Techniques such as ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) and its bioprosthetically reinforced modification (BioLIFT), video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC), and transanal opening of the intersphincteric space (TROPIS) have been increasingly studied as promising methods for treatment of complex anorectal fistula disease while minimizing complications. This chapter will outline the techniques, the background of evidence for each, patient selection, limitations, learning curves, and future directions for ongoing innovation in the treatment of fistulae.
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Burg et al. (2026) studied this question.
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