Comparison of the surgical outcome of seton placement in perianal fistula using Prolene thread and latex glove

Abstract

Background: A common anorectal condition linked to recurrence and long-term morbidity is perianal fistula. In order to maintain sphincter integrity and encourage progressive fistula repair, seton placement is frequently utilised. Setons are made of many materials, including as latex gloves and prolene thread, although their relative efficacy is still debatable.

Aim: To compare the surgical outcomes of seton placement using prolene thread and latex glove in patients with perianal fistula.

Materials and Methods: Over the course of a year, an observational study was carried out at Pt. JNM Medical College in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Group A (Prolene thread seton, n=39) and Group B (Latex glove seton, n=39) comprised 78 patients with perianal fistula diagnoses. Postoperative discomfort, healing time, recurrence, infection, and patient satisfaction were among the parameters evaluated. The independent t-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: The mean healing time was significantly lower in the latex glove group (5.8 ± 1.2 weeks) compared to the prolene group (7.1 ± 1.5 weeks) (p=0.01). Postoperative pain scores were lower with latex glove seton (p=0.03). Recurrence occurred in 10.2% of prolene cases and 5.1% of latex glove cases. Infection rates were slightly higher in the prolene group, though statistically insignificant (p=0.21). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the latex glove group (p=0.02).

Conclusion: Compared to prolene thread seton, latex glove seton showed improved postoperative comfort, a quicker healing period, and greater patient satisfaction. Both approaches worked well, however for some patients with perianal fistulas, latex gloves would be a better option.

Keywords: healing time, latex glove seton, perianal fistulas, prolene group, seton placement