Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Perianal Fistula: An Institutional Based Retrospective Study

Introduction: MRI evaluation of perianal fistula plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, classification and surgical management of the fistulous disease. Perianal fistulisation is an unusual condition but significantly contribute to gastrointestinal morbidity. Proper technique and dedicate protocol of MRI helps in identification of detail anatomy, primary and secondary tracks, classification, complications like abscesses and hence guides the surgeons to plan an appropriate treatment strategy. Our study aims to evaluate the role of MRI in preoperative classification and its management of perianal fistula. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients who were diagnosed to have perianal fistula clinically and referred for MRI Imaging during the study period Jan 2019 to June 2020 included. MRI findings were reviewed, tabulated and analysed. Results: MRI fistulography prove to have a 100 % detection rate of the fistulous tract, its extension and relation to internal and external sphincter. MRI Imaging has exactly type and reveals the extent of perianal fistula. Conclusion: MRI Imaging prove to be highly sensitive and investigation of choice for perianal fistula evaluation. In our study, there was a significant correlation between the fistulous tracts identified on MRI and the surgical findings.