Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Manuscript ID	125216
DOI	10.4240/wjgs.125216
Country	China

Category	Surgery
Manuscript Type	Retrospective Study
Article Title	Fistula excision and anal sphincter reconstruction versus fistulectomy for cryptoglandular anal fistula: Efficacy and functional outcomes
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Hui-Ting Zhu, Yu-Yang Qian, Hao-Yue Zhang, Hong-Hao Wu, Ya-Qiu Miao, Hai-Feng Zong, Ling Ji, Kang Ding and Xiao-Feng Wang
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number Fourth Batch of Provincial Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Expert Inheritance Studio Project Jiangsu Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Natural Science Foundation Project XZR2024032
Corresponding Author	Xiao-Feng Wang, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 157 Da Ming Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China. njszyygck_wxf@163.com
Key Words	Anal fistula; Fistulectomy; Sphincter-preserving surgery; Surgical outcomes; Fecal incontinence
Core Tip	This study demonstrates that fistula excision and anal sphincter reconstruction (FEASR) offers significant advantages over conventional fistulectomy for treating cryptoglandular anal fistula. While both techniques achieve a 100% healing rate, FEASR is associated with accelerated wound healing and significantly less postoperative pain. Most importantly, FEASR provides superior preservation of anal continence, as evidenced by better Wexner scores at 3 months and 6 months, without increasing the risk of recurrence. These findings suggest FEASR is a safe and effective sphincter-preserving alternative that optimizes both functional and recovery outcomes.
Citation	Zhu HH, Qian YY, Zhang HY, Wu HH, Miao YQ, Zong HF, Ji L, Ding K, Wang XF. Fistula excision and anal sphincter reconstruction versus fistulectomy for cryptoglandular anal fistula: Efficacy and functional outcomes. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.4240/wjgs.125216
PDF	125216-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-07-02 07:35
Peer-Review Started	2026-07-02 07:35
First Decision by Editorial Office Director
Return for Revision	2026-07-24 06:49
Revised	2026-07-31 11:28
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-09-05 14:11
Second Decision by Editor	2026-09-16 02:43
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-09-16 09:40
Articles in Press	2026-09-16 09:40
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9366 (online)
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