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Laser Ablation Versus Conventional Fistulectomy for Uncomplicated Perianal Fistula

Comparison Between Conventional Surgery and Laser Ablation for Uncomplicated Perianal Fistula

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07681531
Enrollment
72
Registered
2026-07-02
Start date
2026-07-01
Completion date
2027-03-31
Last updated
2026-07-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anal Fistula, Perianal Fistula

Keywords

Perianal fistula, Anal fistula, Laser ablation, Laser-assisted anal fistula surgery, FiLaC, Fistulectomy, Conventional surgery, Randomized controlled trial

Brief summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare conventional open fistulectomy and laser ablation in the treatment of uncomplicated perianal fistula. The study will evaluate postoperative recovery time and recurrence rates between the two procedures. A total of 72 patients with uncomplicated perianal fistula will be randomly assigned to either conventional open fistulectomy or laser ablation and followed for six months after surgery.

Detailed description

Perianal fistula is a common anorectal condition that usually requires surgical treatment. Conventional open fistulectomy has been widely used because of its established effectiveness; however, it may be associated with prolonged recovery. Laser-assisted anal fistula surgery is a newer minimally invasive technique that may offer faster postoperative recovery and less tissue damage. Published studies have reported conflicting results regarding the superiority of either technique in terms of postoperative recovery and recurrence. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial is being conducted to compare conventional open fistulectomy and laser ablation in patients with uncomplicated perianal fistula. The study will be conducted at the Department of Surgery, PNS Hafeez Hospital, Islamabad. Seventy-two patients aged 18 to 55 years with uncomplicated perianal fistula will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio by paper lottery method into two groups. Group C will undergo conventional open fistulectomy, and Group L will undergo laser-assisted anal fistula surgery. The primary outcome measures are postoperative recovery time and recurrence of perianal fistula within six months after surgery. Patients will be followed at two weeks and six months postoperatively. The findings of this study may help determine the optimal surgical approach for uncomplicated perianal fistula.

Interventions

Laser-assisted anal fistula surgery for uncomplicated perianal fistula.

PROCEDUREConventional Open Fistulectomy

Conventional open fistulectomy for uncomplicated perianal fistula.

Sponsors

PNS Hafeez - Naval Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER_GOV

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either conventional open fistulectomy or laser-assisted anal fistula surgery and followed prospectively.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age 18 to 55 years. * Male and female patients. * Scheduled for surgical treatment of uncomplicated perianal fistula. * Single fistula tract. * Less than 30% involvement of the external anal sphincter. * Penetration of tract limited to subcutaneous tissue.

Exclusion criteria

* Recurrent fistula. * Complex fistula. * History of gut malignancy. * History of inflammatory bowel disease. * Patients unfit for anesthesia.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Post operative recovery time2 weeks after surgeryTime from the end of surgery until return to work with no residual anal pain and no bleeding or discharge.
Recurrance of perianal fistula6 months after surgeryReappearance of perianal fistula after surgery.

Countries

Pakistan

Contacts

CONTACTFahad Raza Ansari, MBBS, FCPS Resident
sunny_slf@hotmail.com+923215550121

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jul 3, 2026