Treatment of recurrent anal XXXX using an autologous cartilage plug: a pilot study.

@entity1 @entity292 @entity30
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess a novel autologous cartilage plug technique used to treat anal @entity292 in ten @entity1 . METHODS: All ten @entity1 had undergone at least two prior operations for recurrent @entity292 . The plugs were prepared using the @entity1 ' own cartilage, which was obtained from either the nose or the ear, diced into pieces, and wrapped with oxidized regenerated cellulose. During the same session, @entity292 tracts were curetted using cytology brushes, and then, the cartilage plug was inserted into the tract. Routine postoperative examinations were performed at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24  weeks after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed before surgery and at 3 and 6  months postoperatively. Relief of symptoms, radiological healing, recurrence, and continence were evaluated. RESULTS: The ten @entity1 included six males and four females, with a median age of 39  years (range 25-70  years) and a median of three previous @entity292 operations (range 2-7 operations). Nine @entity1 had cryptoglandular abscess, and one @entity1 had @entity30 . The majority of the @entity1 had transsphincteric @entity292 with substantial anal sphincter involvement. The cartilage donor site was the nose for one @entity1 and the ear for nine @entity1 . The median follow-up time was 24  months (range 10-32  months). Of the ten @entity1 , nine had @entity292 treatment without any short-term complications. The @entity292 failed to heal in one @entity1 . Among the nine @entity1 whose operations were initially successful, two late recurrences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The cartilage plug seems to be a promising alternative for anal @entity292 treatment.
