Use of the OVESCO OTSC® Proctology Clip for closure of fistula-in-ano at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre – a single centre experience

Abstract

Background: Definitive closure of fistula-in-ano poses an ongoing surgical challenge. The OVESCO OTSC® Proctology Clip (proctology clip) purports to offer improved preservation of the anal sphincter whilst at the same time curing the fistula by closure.

Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted for patients who received the proctology clip as part of the management of fistula-in-ano in the Colorectal Unit at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC).

Results: There were 19 cases of fistula-in-ano treated with the proctology clip. All were cryptoglandular in origin. The median age was 50 years (IQR 44–56 years) and post-procedure, the median follow-up duration was 145 days (IQR 63–298 days). Overall, 9 procedures were successful (47%). Success rates were higher for simple (66.7%) as opposed to complex (38.5%) fistula-in-ano. For patients who underwent placement of the proctology clip as a primary procedure, the success rate (50%) was slightly better than those who received the clip as a secondary procedure (44.4%).

Conclusion: This preliminary data presents our initial experience using the proctology clip. While these data may serve as a “proof of concept”, a multi-centre controlled trial comparing this method to the rectal mucosal advancement flap (RMAF) is needed to determine the role of the proctology clip in the management of fistula-in-ano.