Autologous adipose-tissue derived regenerative cells for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano: a report of three cases

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Nov 9:2012:bcr2012006988. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006988.

Abstract

The treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano is challenging and often includes a number of operations due to high rates of recurrence. We report the successful treatment of three consecutive patients with long-standing cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano with a novel combination of mucosal advancement flap and adipose-tissue derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from a simple lipoaspiration procedure, using Celution technology. There was no operative morbidity; one patient who had a colostomy for faecal diversion has since undergone restoration of bowel continuity. All thee fistulae remain healed at 2-3-year follow-up. Lipofilling of cryptoglandular fistulae-in-ano with ADRC-enhanced lipofilling appears feasible and safe, and may add to the range of procedures that can be used to treat this difficult problem.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Intestinal Mucosa / surgery
  • Lipectomy
  • Macrophages
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
  • Rectal Fistula / surgery
  • Rectal Fistula / therapy*
  • Regeneration*
  • Surgical Flaps