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Are bioprosthetic plugs for complex anal fistulas effective?

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Surgical repair of complex anal fistulas has to achieve a balance between optimal primary healing and best preservation of continence. As traditional surgical techniques confer a risk of continence deterioration, innovative sphincter-preserving techniques have been introduced. A new study indicates that use of bioprosthetic plugs in the surgical treatment of complex anal fistulas is associated with a long-term success rate of 81%.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Pelvic Floor Center, Caritas-Krankenhaus St Josef, Landshuter Strasse 65, Regensburg, D-93053, Germany

    Oliver Schwandner

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  1. Oliver Schwandner
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Schwandner, O. Are bioprosthetic plugs for complex anal fistulas effective?. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 7, 419–420 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2010.110

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