Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2023 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research
Three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound is a practical tool for the assessment of anal fistula
Published in: BMC Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2023
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Objective
This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound in the preoperative assessment of anal fistula compared with findings of MRI and surgery.
Methods
A total of 67 patients (62 males) with suspected anal fistula were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in all patients. The number of internal openings and the type of fistula were recorded. The accuracy of three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound was determined by comparing these parameters with surgical outcomes.
Results
At surgery, 5 (6%) were extrasphincteric, 10 (12%) were suprasphincteric, 11 (14%) were intersphincteric, and 55 (68%) were transsphincteric. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of pelvic 3D US and MRI, based on internal openings (97.92%, 94.79%), anal fistulas (97.01%, 94.03%), and those under Parks classification (97.53%, 93.83%).
Conclusion
Three-dimensional pelvic ultrasound is a reproducible and accurate method for determining the type of fistula and detecting internal openings and anal fistulas.