INTRODUCTION:
the management of anal fistula remains debatable. The lack of a standard treatment free of complications stimulates the development of new options.
OBJECTIVE:
to develop an experimental model of anal fistula in rats.
METHODS:
to surgically create an anal fistula in 10 rats with Seton introduced through the anal sphincter musculature. The animals were euthanized for histological fistula tract assessment.
RESULTS:
all ten specimens histologically assessed had a lumen and surrounding granulation tissue. There was complete epithelialization of the tract in two samples, halfway epithelialization in one sample and epithelialization of only the outer portion in six samples. Epithelialization was not evident in one tract.
CONCLUSION:
anal fistulas in rats were histologically proved.
Fistula; Anal canal; Rats
