Fistula Rerouting versus LIFT for high perianal fistula
Comparative Study Between Fistula Rerouting Technique and Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) Technique in Treatment of High Perianal Fistula.
This trial will test whether the Fistula Rerouting technique or the LIFT operation works better for adults with high perianal fistula by comparing recurrence and bowel-control after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07399353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group surgical trial comparing two sphincter-preserving operations for high perianal fistula: staged Fistula Rerouting Technique (FRT) and Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT). Adult participants will undergo preoperative assessment including MRI to confirm fistula anatomy, then be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical procedures. Primary outcome is postoperative fistula recurrence and a key secondary outcome is postoperative fecal continence, measured with standardized scoring and follow-up exams. The trial excludes patients with preoperative incontinence, inflammatory bowel disease, complex branching tracts, pregnancy, or contraindications to anesthesia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–65 with confirmed high trans-sphincteric or extrasphincteric perianal fistula (including recurrent cases) who can consent and tolerate spinal/general anesthesia are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with preoperative fecal incontinence, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's), complex branching fistula tracts, pregnancy, or age under 20 are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from these specific procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one technique proves superior, patients could have fewer recurrences and better preservation of bowel control after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: The LIFT procedure has shown reasonable success in multiple series since 2007, while Fistula Rerouting has been described previously, but direct head-to-head comparative data are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (age 20-65 years) presenting with a high perianal fistula, defined as:Trans-sphincteric fistula tract traversing the upper two-thirds of the external anal sphincter, Or Extrasphincteric fistula. * Patients with recurrent perianal fistula. * Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with preoperative fecal incontinence (as assessed by the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score). * Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). * Pregnant women. * Pediatric patients (age \< 20 years). * Patients with complex, branching fistula tracts. * Any contraindication to spinal/general anesthesia or surgery.
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo
- Faculty of Medicine Cairo University — Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mostafa Mohamed Sedky, Lecturer
- Email: mostafa_mohamed720@yahoo.com
- Phone: +201066016961
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.