Management of an extrasphincteric fistula in an HIV-positive patient by using fibrin glue: a case report with tips and tricks

BMC Gastroenterol. 2010 Feb 14:10:18. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-10-18.

Abstract

Background: Individuals with impaired immunity are at higher risk of perianal diseases. Concerning complex anal fistulas impaired healing and complication rates are also higher. Definitive treatment of a fistula aims controlling the purulent discharge and prevents its recurrence. It depends mainly on the trajectory of the fistula and the underlying disease. We present a case of a HIV-positive patient with a complex extrasphincteric anal fistula who was treated successfully with fibrin glue application. We further, discuss tips and tricks when applying fibrin glue as plugging material in complex anal fistulas.

Case presentation: A sixty-one-year-old HIV-positive male referred to us for warts and extrasphincteric fistula. Because of the patients' immunological status, we opted against surgery and recommended fibrin glue plugging. The patient was discharged the same day. A follow-up examination was performed 5 days after the initial fibrin glue application showing that the fistula canal was obstructed. Three months and a year post-intervention the fistula tract remains closed.

Conclusion: The best treatment for a disease gives at least the same result with the other treatments with minimised risk for the life of the patient and minimal application effort. Conservative closure of fistula with fibrin plugging is simple, safe and with less morbidity than surgery. Our patient was successfully treated without endangering his life despite his precarious medical state. Not everybody believes in the effectiveness of fibrin glue application, however we consider this solution in cases of complex fistulas at least as primary procedure in special populations such as the immunosupressed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / therapeutic use
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Fistula / drug therapy*
  • Rectal Fistula / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesives / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
  • Tissue Adhesives