Parks classification of fistula-in-ano

Surgery and anaesthesia

Also known as: Parks-Klassifikation (Analfistel) · Parks sınıflaması (anal fistül) · Parks classification of anal fistulas

What it is for

The Parks classification describes the course of an anal fistula tract relative to the internal and external anal sphincters. Types:

Classification

CategoryDescription
Intersphinctericthe tract runs in the intersphincteric space between internal and external sphincter, without crossing the external sphincter.
Transsphinctericthe tract crosses the external sphincter into the ischioanal (ischiorectal) fossa.
Suprasphinctericthe tract rises in the intersphincteric space above the puborectalis, then passes down through the levator ani into the ischioanal fossa to the skin.
Extrasphinctericthe tract runs outside the sphincter complex, from the perineal skin through the ischioanal fossa and levator ani into the rectum, without involving the anal canal.

Source

A classification of fistula-in-ano

Br J Surg 1976;63:1–12 (Parks AG, Gordon PH, Hardcastle JD)

DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800630102

PMID: 1267867

Edition
Parks, Gordon and Hardcastle 1976
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