Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract or LIFT procedure (with video)

The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract or LIFT procedure is a sphincter preserving procedure for the treatment of transphincteric fistula-in-ano. This technique was first described in Thailand in 2007 by Arun Rojanasakul [1]. This surgical technique is safe and reproducible. In a study including 93 patients with a 19 months median follow-up, a primary closure of the fistula tract was obtained in 40 to 80% [2]. Patients with successful fistula closure reported a mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score of 1.0 (SD 2.3). This video shows the different steps needed to perform this surgical procedure [3].