RF Safe

Anal fistulotomy with radiofrequency: a better option to a conventional procedure.

Romanian journal of gastroenterology · 2003 · Benefit · Moderate evidence

← Research stream
BenefitModerate evidencePaper 3743

In a randomized comparison of conventional scalpel fistulotomy versus radiofrequency fistulotomy in 50 patients, the radiofrequency group had shorter procedure time (p=0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (p=0.0004), earlier return to work (p=0.029), and shor…

Study snapshot

PublicationRomanian journal of gastroenterology · 2003
Study typerandomized_trial
Reported directionBenefit
Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Even after the availability of many different surgical options, most surgeons still prefer the classical lay open technique (fistulotomy) as the gold standard for the treatment of anal fistula. This study analyzes the procedure and outcome of radiofrequency fistulotomy over the conventional scalpel method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with low fistula in ano were analyzed in a prospective study. They were randomized into conventional and radiofrequency fistulotomy groups. Parameters measured included time taken for the procedure, amount of blood loss, postoperative pain, period taken for return to work and recurrence rate. The patients were followed over a period of 30 months. RESULTS: The average time for complete wound healing was 49 days. The patients took a mean period of 7 days to return to their routine. In 7 patients the wounds took more than 80 days to heal and were labeled as delay in wound healing. Two patients developed a recurrence. The comparative study between conventional and radiofrequency fistulotomy showed that procedure time was shorter (p= 0.001); intra operative bleeding was much less (p=0.0004), return to work was earlier (p= 0.029) and wound-healing time was shorter (p=0.0017) in radiofrequency procedure. CONCLUSION: In terms of parameters set for the study, the radiofrequency technique was found to have significant advantages over conventional fistulotomy procedure with regard to operation time, blood loss, return to normal activity and healing of the wounds.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial
Effect directionbenefit
PopulationPatients with low fistula in ano
Sample size50
ExposureNot supplied
Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In a randomized comparison of conventional scalpel fistulotomy versus radiofrequency fistulotomy in 50 patients, the radiofrequency group had shorter procedure time (p=0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (p=0.0004), earlier return to work (p=0.029), and shorter wound-healing time (p=0.0017). Overall, mean wound healing time was 49 days; 7 patients had delayed healing (>80 days) and 2 patients had recurrence during 30 months of follow-up.

Outcomes measured

  • procedure time
  • intraoperative blood loss
  • postoperative pain
  • time to return to work/normal activity
  • wound-healing time
  • recurrence rate
  • delayed wound healing

Limitations

  • Radiofrequency exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power, SAR) not reported in the abstract
  • Group-specific absolute outcome values not provided in the abstract (only p-values and overall summaries)
  • Postoperative pain results not reported in the abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "radiofrequency surgical device (radiofrequency fistulotomy)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Patients with low fistula in ano",
  "sample_size": 50,
  "outcomes": [
    "procedure time",
    "intraoperative blood loss",
    "postoperative pain",
    "time to return to work/normal activity",
    "wound-healing time",
    "recurrence rate",
    "delayed wound healing"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In a randomized comparison of conventional scalpel fistulotomy versus radiofrequency fistulotomy in 50 patients, the radiofrequency group had shorter procedure time (p=0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (p=0.0004), earlier return to work (p=0.029), and shorter wound-healing time (p=0.0017). Overall, mean wound healing time was 49 days; 7 patients had delayed healing (>80 days) and 2 patients had recurrence during 30 months of follow-up.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "Radiofrequency exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power, SAR) not reported in the abstract",
    "Group-specific absolute outcome values not provided in the abstract (only p-values and overall summaries)",
    "Postoperative pain results not reported in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "anal fistula",
    "fistulotomy",
    "radiofrequency surgery",
    "randomized controlled trial",
    "wound healing",
    "blood loss",
    "recurrence"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 14726973

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library