Abstract
Parks classification is a widespread classification system for fistula in ano proposed by Parks in 1976. Parks described four different types of perianal fistula considering the fistulous tract with respect to the anal sphincter complex. Crucial landmarks for this classification are represented by the external anal sphincter and by the levator ani muscle. Four types of fistulas are described by Parks: intersphincteric, transphincteric, extrasphincteric, and suprasphincteric. Parks classification is very useful since different types of fistulas categorized using Parks methods require different surgical approach. Basically the intersphincteric fistula (i.e., the more easy and common fistula) can be treated with surgical fistulectomy, whereas other types of fistulas in whom the fistulous tract involves the external anal sphincter or the levator ani muscle should be treated with surgical drainage by means of seton positioning in order to avoid iatrogenic damage to sphincter complex and possible fecal incontinence.
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Paolantonio, P., Dromain, C. (2014). P. In: Imaging of Small Bowel, Colon and Rectum. A-Z Notes in Radiological Practice and Reporting. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5489-9_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5489-9_16
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