Nineteen consecutive cases of simple fistula-in-ano treated with fistulotomy and marsupialisation were retrospectively reviewed. Fourteen cases were simple intersphincteric and the remaining 5 cases were uncomplicated transphincteric fistulae. The cases were followed up for between 3 to 10 months (mean 6.9 months). There were no reports of bowel incontinence or recurrence of fistula. The advantages of this 'tissue conserving' procedure are discussed in the paper.