LIFT vs Cyanoacrylate Glue in High Transsphincteric Perianal Fistula
Official title: Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract Versus Cyanoacrylate Glue in One-Stage Management of High Transsphincteric Perianal Fistula: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Ain Shams University · NCT07744672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether tying the fistula tract (LIFT) or using cyanoacrylate glue works better for healing in adults with a high transsphincteric perianal fistula.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 14, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 20, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07744672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 16 and older with MRI-confirmed high transsphincteric perianal fistula, fit for surgery (ASA I–III).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with Crohn's disease, horseshoe fistula, prior definitive fistula surgery (except drainage), active perianal sepsis, immunocompromised state, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, or other exclusion criteria may not benefit or may be at higher risk.
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 trial comparing ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) with cyanoacrylate glue (CAG) for high transsphincteric perianal fistulas. Adult participants with MRI-confirmed disease are randomly assigned to one of the two treatments in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is fistula healing, while secondary outcomes include operative time, postoperative pain, complications, recurrence, and continence, with the goal of identifying a sphincter-preserving, safer, and more effective approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify the more effective and safer option for healing while preserving continence in high transsphincteric perianal fistulas.
How similar studies have gone: Prior or similar approaches have shown varying success in sphincter-preserving fistula management; this direct head-to-head randomization adds comparative evidence for LIFT versus cyanoacrylate glue.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 16 years MRI-confirmed high transsphincteric perianal fistula Fit for surgery (ASA I-III) Exclusion Criteria: * Crohn's disease * Tuberculosis or malignancy-associated fistula * Horseshoe fistula * Previous definitive fistula surgery (excluding drainage procedures) * Pregnancy * Immunocompromised state (e.g., HIV, chronic steroid use, chemotherapy) * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c \> 8% ) * Active, undrained perianal sepsis/abscess at the time of scheduled surgery
Where it's running
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Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: mohamed Ibrahim khald, Assistant lecturer
- Email: mohamed.khald@med.asu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201061399219
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Fistula Rerouting versus LIFT for 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.
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.