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An anal fistula is an abnormal communication between the interior of the anal canal or rectum and the skin surface.  Rarer forms may communicate with the vagina or other pelvic structures, including the bowel.  Most fistulas begin as anorectal abscesses.  When the abscess opens spontaneously into the anal canal (or has been opened surgically), a fistula may occur.  Other causes of fistulas include tuberculosis, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.  Fistulas may occur singly or in multiples. 

Symptoms include a purulent discharge and drainage of pus and/or stool near the anus, which can irritate the outer tissues causing itching and discomfort.  Pain occurs when fistulas become blocked and abscesses recur.  Flatus may also escape from the fistulous tract. 

Anal fistulas are described as low (present in the lower part and not extending up to the anorectal sling) or high (extending up to or beyond the ano-rectal sling).  High fistula can be associated with incontinence.  Diagnosis may involve fistula probe, anoscopy, fistulography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.  Treatments include fistulotomy/fistulectomy, endorectal/anal sliding flaps, seton drain and fibrin glue.  Lay-open fistulotomy in high fistulas carries risk on incontinence.  Draining setons can control sepsis but few patients heal after removal of the seton, and they are poorly tolerated long term.  cutting setons can cause continence disturbances.

The SIS Fistula Plug from Cook Biotech received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2005 based on similarity to predicate devices, including the SURGISIS®  Soft Tissue Graft and the STRATASIS®  Urethral Sling, both manufactured by Cook Biotech Incorporated.

The SIS Fistula Plug is manufactured from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and is intended for repair of anal, rectal and enterocutaneous fistulas.  The modified SIS Fistula Plug, also manufactured from porcine small intestinal submucosa, is supplied in a tapered configuration with a button to provide increased retention of the plug and improved blockage of the fistula.  It received 510(k) clearance in October 2006.  In March 2009, W.L. Gore & Associates received 501(k) clearance for the BIO-A® Fistula Plug intended for use in anorectal fistulas.  The GORE BIO-A® Fistula Plug device is comprised of a hydrolytic and enzymetic pathways, the same material, technology and three-dimensional disk with tubes mesh design as the predicate GORE Bioabsorbable Mesh hernia plug device. The indications for use and performance of the GORE BIO-A® Fistula Plug are substantially equivalent to the predicate Cook SIS Fistula Plug.

The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member’s specific benefit plan language.

07/29/2011: Policy reviewed; no changes.

07/17/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.

All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage.

Non-Covered Codes       

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