Table 3.
Interventions classified by the IDEAL framework
| IDEAL stage | Intervention |
|---|---|
| 1 (Idea) | Circumferential advancement flap |
| VAAFT | |
| OTSC® | |
| Free cartilage | |
| 2a (Development) | Local anti‐TNFα injection |
| LIFT | |
| Carbon dioxide laser | |
| 2b (Exploration) | Local stem cell therapy |
| Mucosal advancement flap | |
| Fibrin glue | |
| 3 (Assessment) | Anal fistula plug |
| 4 (Long‐term study) | Seton |
| Fistulotomy | |
| Stoma/proctectomy |
VAAFT, video‐assisted anal fistula treatment; OTSC, over‐the‐scope clip; TNF, tumour necrosis factor; LIFT, ligation of intersphincteric tract.