Effect of intersphincteric fistula tract ligation versus anal fistulectomy on pain scores and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-2 in patients with simple anal fistulas

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore the effects of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) on pain scores and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-2 in patients with simple anal fistulas. METHODS: Ninety patients with simple anal fistulas were evenly randomized into a study group (treated with LIFT) and a control group (treated with traditional anal fistulectomy) according to a random number table. The surgical outcomes, basic operation conditions (operation time, hospital stay, and anal continence), and postoperative wound healing rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study group had significantly better operation conditions (better anal continence and shorter length of hospital stay), a higher postoperative wound healing rate, lower pain scores, higher VEGF and IL-2 levels, and higher overall efficacy rate than the control group. However, the incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent LIFT had better surgical outcomes, higher wound healing rates, better anal continence, a shorter length of hospital stay, and less severe postoperative pain than those who underwent simple anal fistulectomy. Increased levels of VEGF and IL-2 after surgery may promote wound healing.