Diagnosis and treatment for anal fistula: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Anal fistula constitutes a pathological channel originating either from the anal canal or rectum to the skin surrounding the anus, primarily characterized by recurrent pain, purulent discharge, and pruritus. This study aims to compare and standardize the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of anal fistula, drawing on contemporary clinical practice guidelines. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Chinese Biological Medicine Database, from their inception through April 1, 2024. The objective was to collate all published guidelines on anal fistula. The quality of the eligible guidelines was appraised by two reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Results The search yielded fifteen guidance documents -comprising nine guidelines and six consensus statements -each offering specific recommendations. Twelve of these documents address screening and diagnosis of anal fistula, while all fifteen discuss various treatment and management strategies. Document analysis highlighted MRI as the predominant diagnostic recommendation. Treatment and management strategies were categorized into four categories: preoperative management, surgical method selection

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.