Different characteristics of high and low transsphincteric fistulae

Aim Transsphincteric fistulae are classified as high or low. The aim of this observational study was to determine whether or not they have different characteristics. Method A consecutive series of 300 patients with a transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin was studied. Two hundred patients with a high transsphincteric fistula underwent transanal advancement flap repair and 100 patients with a low transsphincteric fistula underwent fistulotomy or ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract at the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam. Various patient and fistula characteristics were assessed. Data were analysed by means of logistic regression. Results Low transsphincteric fistulae occurred more frequently in females (43% low transsphincteric fistulae vs 30% high transsphincteric fistulae; P