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Risk factors for anal fistula: a case–control study

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Abstract

Background

The aim of our study was to identify potential risk factors for anal fistula in order to improve prevention and treatment of anal fistula.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study for anal fistula was conducted at our unit. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify associated risk factors for anal fistula.

Results

The final model obtained by the stepwise forward logistic regression analysis method identified the following items as independent risk factors: body mass index of >25.0 kg/m2, high daily salt intake, history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, dermatosis, anorectal surgery, history of smoking and alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, excessive intake of spicy/greasy food, very infrequent participation in sports and prolonged sitting on the toilet for defecation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions increase an individual’s risk of developing anal fistula.

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Acknowledgments

We thank professor Zhong Shen for his useful review and Miss Huan Yu for her support regarding the work schedule. This work was financially supported by the Medical Fund for Special Diseases of Key Department of Hangzhou (project number 20120533Q06), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (project number 81101876), the Medical Research Fund of Zhejiang Provincial Health Department (project number 2011RCA035) and the Medical research fund of science technology department of Zhejiang province (project number 2012C33097).

Conflict of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Colorectal Anal Disease Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine Center, The Third People’s Hospital of Hangzhou, West Lake Ave 38, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China

    G. Yang, J. Qiu, Y. Song, L. Wang & C. Wang

  2. School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China

    J. Gao

  3. The Hangzhou third Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China, Hangzhou, China

    D. Wang

Authors
  1. D. Wang
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  2. G. Yang
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  3. J. Qiu
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  4. Y. Song
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  5. L. Wang
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  6. J. Gao
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  7. C. Wang
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to G. Yang or J. Qiu.

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Wang, D., Yang, G., Qiu, J. et al. Risk factors for anal fistula: a case–control study. Tech Coloproctol 18, 635–639 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-013-1111-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-013-1111-y

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