Fig 1.
The schedule of enrolment, interventions, and assessments.
Fig 2.
Trial flow chart.
Fig 3.
The operation diagram of MITD-LaC therapy.
(a) Incise and dissect the fistula to the lower edge of the levator ani muscle. (b) Laser ablation of remaining deep fistula tract. (c) Curettage near the internal opening. (d) Four incisions and drainage tubes installation after MITD-LaC in complete horseshoe-shaped anal fistula. (e) Two incisions and drainage tubes installation after MITD-LaC in semi-horseshoe anal fistula. MITD-LaC = multi-incision and tube-dragging therapy combined with laser closure.
Fig 4.
The schematic operation diagram of MRI.
(a) The diagram of preoperative MRI. (b) Muti-incision and tube-dragging on the HHAF tracts, the internal opening incision and the laser ablation adopted on the top of the remaining fistula tract. HHAF = high horseshoe-shaped anal fistula.
Fig 5.
The operation diagram of ITD therapy.
(a) Incise the fistula tracts from the external openings or the distal end. (b) Thread-drawing formation. (c) Extent of incisions in the lithotomy position. (d) Incisions and thread-drawing after ITD. ITD = incision and thread-drawing.