Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Manuscript ID	111285
Country	Singapore

Category	Surgery
Manuscript Type	Minireviews
Article Title	Evidence outside the box: Minimally invasive treatment for anal fistula
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Kah Hau Luke Chua and Daniel Jin Keat Lee
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Daniel Jin Keat Lee, FRCS (Ed), MD, Department of General Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore, Singapore 768828, Singapore. daniel.lee@geriatricsurgery.org.sg
Key Words	Anal fistula management; Minimally invasive; Regenerative methods; Stem cells; Fistula plug; Matrix; Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract; Fistula laser closure; Video-assisted anal fistula treatment; Over-the-scope clip
Core Tip	We present a review summarising the most up-to-date insights into minimally invasive treatment for anal fistulae. Representing new frontiers in fistula treatment, these “sphincter-preserving” modalities seek to balance both recurrence prevention and continence preservation. The newest regenerative solutions, including autologous stem cell therapy and fistula plugs derived from extracellular and synthetic matrices, will be covered, as well as pertinent non-regenerative solutions like fistula laser closure, video-assisted anal fistula treatment, and over-the-scope clips. We consolidated and examined pertinent literature while weighing the pros and cons of each procedure.
Citation	Chua KHL, Lee DJK. Evidence outside the box: Minimally invasive treatment for anal fistula. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; In press

Received	2025-06-26 15:52
Peer-Review Started	2025-06-26 15:52
To Make the First Decision
Return for Revision	2025-07-12 19:18
Revised	2025-07-28 10:19
Second Decision	2025-09-22 02:40
Accepted by Journal Editor-in-Chief
Accepted by Executive Editor-in-Chief	2025-09-22 08:30
Articles in Press	2025-09-22 08:30
Publication Fee Transferred
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9366 (online)
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Copyright	© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
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