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IntroducationIn a recent Cochrane review the authors concluded that there is an urgent need for well-powered, well-conducted randomized controlled trials comparing various modes of treatment of fistula-in-ano. Ten randomized controlled trials were available for analyses: There were no significant differences in recurrence rates or incontinuence rates in any of the studied comparisons. The following article reviews all studies available for treatment of fistula-in-ano with a fistula plug.Material and MethodsPubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane medical database were searched up to December 2014. 47 articles were relevant for this review.ResultsHealing rates of 50 – 60 % can be expected for treatment of complex anal fistula with a fistula plug, with a plug-extrusion rate of 10 – 20 %. Such results can be achieved not only with plugs made of porcine intestinal submucosa, but also those made of other biological mesh materials, such as acellular dermal matrix. Important technical steps in the performance of a complex anal fistula plug repair need to be followed.SummaryTreatment of a complex fistula-in-ano with a fistula plug is an option with a success rate of 50 – 60 % with low complication rate. Further improvements in technique and better studies

Intestinal fistulae usually arise as a complication of abdominal surgery. Its treatment is complex and intestinal fistula-related morbidity and mortality is high. Fistula closure rates under conservative medical treatment vary between 24 and 72%. Octreotide and somatostatin reduce gastrointestinal, biliary and pancreatic secretion and increase intestinal water and electrolyte absorption. In recent years, octreotide and somatostatin have been associated with conservative medical treatment for patients with intestinal fistulae. Four placebo-controlled studies have been published within the past 6 years. The interpretation of their results is difficult because patient collectives were small and heterogeneous. In one study, somatostatin decreased fistula-related complications when compared to placebo, and in another study, octreotide decreased the healing time of intestinal fistulae and the time patients required total parenteral nutrition when compared to placebo. In contrast, the fistula closure rate, hospitalization time and mortality were not influenced by the use of octreotide or somatostatin in conservative medical treatment. In conclusion, octreotide and somatostatin actually cannot be recommended in the treatment of intestinal fistulae in settings outside of controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]