Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans-sphincteric fistulas.

Marie Gaillard Sylvie Van den Broeck Bart Op de Beeck Kristien Wouters Jasper Stijns Dirk Van de Putte Ben Gys Bert Houben Els Van Dessel Gabriele Bislenghi Niels Komen

Published in: Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (2024)

High trans-sphincteric fistulas have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Classical treatment with RAF is a time-consuming invasive procedure. The LATFIA trial aims to compare FiLaC™ with the gold standard treatment with RAF. In case of noninferiority, FiLaC™ treatment could be standardized as a first line treatment for high trans-sphincteric fistulas. Better conservation of the patient's anal sphincter function could possibly be obtained. Likewise, we will report on the postoperative quality of life when applying these two techniques.

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