Modified anal fistula clip: A safe and effective alternative to incision and thread hanging for anal fistula

Figure 1 Schematic illustration of the anal fistula clip system. The device comprises an elastic nitinol clip and a dedicated applicator designed for precise placement at the internal orifice of the fistula.

Figure 2  Key operative steps of the anal fistula clip procedure in a representative patient with anal fistula, illustrating identification of the internal orifice, tract preparation, and precise placement of the anal fistula clip to facilitate drainage and promote healing.

Figure 3 Wexner incontinence scores in the anal fistula clip and incision and thread hanging groups at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. ^aP < 0.05 vs anal fistula clip group at the same time point; ^bP < 0.01 vs preoperative value in the anal fistula clip group. AFC: Anal fistula clip; ITH: Incision and thread hanging.

Figure 4 Comparison of anal sphincter pressures between the anal fistula clip and incision and thread hanging groups before surgery, at 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. A: Resting anal sphincter pressure; B: Maximum squeeze pressure. ^bP < 0.01 vs incision and thread hanging group at the same time point. AFC: Anal fistula clip; ITH: Incision and thread hanging.