Fistula Rerouting versus LIFT for high perianal fistula
Official title: Comparative Study Between Fistula Rerouting Technique and Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) Technique in Treatment of High Perianal Fistula.
Run by Cairo University · NCT07399353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07399353 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.