Background: Classification of perianal fistulae and knowledge of its anatomy are particularly important in determining the appropriate medical and surgical therapy. Aim: To identify the patterns of fistula in ano (FIA) in our local population. Patients and methods: A prospective multicentric, hospital-based study (November 2013 to November 2014), included all patient presented with the clinical diagnoses of FIA. Patients with preexisting condition that might predispose to abscess formation or development of fistulae were excluded. Fistulae were classified using Parkʹs classification depending on its location in relation to the anal sphincter muscles and the simplest system of classification of perianal fistulae that divides fistulae into either low or high depending on their relationship to the dentate line. The collected data was analyzed statistically using a computer program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: One hundred and six patients were included (97 males and 9 females), with male to female ratio of 10.7:1. Their mean age was 35.63±12.33 years. Presentation was variable and the commonest was anal discharge that observed in 105 (99.1%) patients. The mean duration of symptoms was 7.60±10.23 month. Previous perianal surgery was found in 17 (16.04%) patients in form of abscess drainage. Diagnosis confirmed by perianal examination, digital rectal examination (DRE), and proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) was not performed as a tool of investigation. Using Parkʹs classification intersphincteric FIA was seen in 75.5%. Depends on simplest system of classification it was low type in 95.3%. Conclusion: Fistulae in ano classification is important because the treatment differs between different types of fistulous tracks.

Fistula in Ano (FIA), Presentation, Diagnosis, Classification