Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life and identify associated factors affecting quality of life in patients with anal fistula before and after surgical intervention.
Subjects and methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on patients undergoing surgical treatment for anal fistula at the High-Tech Center of Saint Paul General Hospital. Quality of life was assessed using the QoLAF-Q questionnaire at preoperatively, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results: A statistically significant improvement in quality of life was observed at 12 weeks postoperatively compared to baseline preoperative scores (QoLAF-Q = 15.19 ± 2.01 points vs. 28.85 ± 6.84 points, respectively; p = 0.01). The disease-specific impact of anal fistula on patients was significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively, demonstrating a progressive reduction over the follow-up period (p = 0.001). Factors significantly associated with perioperative quality of life included a history of previous anal fistula surgery, wound healing status, chronic pain, and surgical site drainage.
Conclusions: Surgical management significantly improves the quality of life of patients with anal fistula. Key determinants influencing postoperative quality of life outcomes include a history of prior fistula surgery, wound healing progress, chronic pain, and persistent surgical site drainage.